Hands-on training for zero-emission construction

The Netherlands is working increasingly emission-free. Electric machines are increasingly being used on construction and infrastructure projects. But how do you really prepare your employees for this change? With practical training from SOMA Bedrijfsopleidingen, of course! The infrastructure training provider for adults invests in an emission-free future with a wide range of training courses and the first electric excavator. A first in adult education.

The switch to emission-free construction offers major advantages, such as lower CO2 emissions and less noise pollution. "The move to zero-emission construction requires not only new machines, but above all new knowledge, skills and awareness," says Koen Stephan, general director of SOMA Bedrijfsopleidingen. "Working with electric equipment simply brings other challenges. And that applies not only to machine operators and mechanics, but also project managers, safety experts and construction site personnel need new knowledge and skills."

Working safely on the 'electric' construction site

SOMA Bedrijfsopleidingen offers a wide range of training courses to prepare the construction and infrastructure sector for a zero-emission future. "We offer workshops and courses for employees at different levels and functions," said René Berghuis, account manager at SOMA Bedrijfsopleidingen. "What makes our approach unique is that we focus not only on technology, but specifically on the human behind the machine." He advises anyone working on a construction site to take the 1-day course "Working safely with electrical equipment on the construction site. "The course covers the basics of working with electrical equipment in the infrastructure sector. Course participants are instructed on how to safely charge machines, on how to handle incidents, how to handle batteries and how to set up a safe workplace. The operational limitations of electrical equipment are also covered. In short, the course is actually a must for anyone who ventures onto an 'electrical construction site.'"

Courses for mechanics

Also for mechanics, SOMA Bedrijfsopleidingen has an extensive program under the guise of 'Maintenance and working with electrical equipment'. It starts with a 1-day NEN 9140 course for mechanics with basic knowledge of electrical equipment. In the more extensive 2-day course there is also plenty of room for practical training. After successful completion, students receive the NEN 9140-VP certificate. This is also part of the 7-day mechanic training course, a complete training with theory and practice. "Especially for this training we have put together a 'training board'. All the components from an electric excavator are shown schematically on it," Berghuis says. "In the training we use the board to gain component knowledge and perform measurements on programmed error codes. This is because it is a complete working system, basically an electric excavator on a board. After taking this training, mechanics have gained an awful lot of new knowledge to work safely on electrical machines."

Apart from the training wall, SOMA Business Education has another first. Namely, they recently put into operation an electric excavator, a first within adult education. "With these investments we are taking a powerful step toward the emission-free construction site of the future," concludes Stephan, who is visibly proud of the latest acquisition, a 100 percent electric Limach 8.8-ton excavator. For full training offerings, the general manager refers us to the SOMA Bedrijfsopleidingen website.