Platform on civil engineering, underground infrastructure, energy, construction equipment & construction machinery
“InfraVak is the leading training company for civil engineering,” says Kim Wever, communications expert at InfraVak training. “We work with around 40 member companies in the north and east of the Netherlands and are always looking for new, up-and-coming professionals who want to work and learn at the same time. InfraVak recruits students and offers them a BBL (vocational training) program.” The apprentices work four days a week under expert supervision at an affiliated infrastructure company and attend one day of theory classes at a regional training center (ROC) in the area. “On average, they go to school once a week, and there are also practical training days at the training center in Holten. There, they can get extra practice and prepare for their practical exams.”
InfraVak trains young people from the age of 16, but there is no maximum age limit. Kim: “The oldest student we have ever trained was over 50. Nowadays, it is mainly young men who we take under our wing. After obtaining a basic VMBO diploma, or higher, they can enter a BBL training program at levels 2 to 4. Those who have no prior education can first follow an entrance training program (level 1).”
The affiliated companies invest heavily in young people. At the time of this interview, around 100 students are being trained. “The students learn at an affiliated company, work there, and the intention is to offer them a permanent contract after their training,” says Kim. “On paper, students in the BBL program are employed by us and receive a BBL salary in accordance with the Construction Collective Labor Agreement. The amount depends on their age and training. That's the beauty of this method: learning and working for pay, permanent employment immediately after training, great career opportunities with the employer, and work in one of the most stable and future-proof sectors.”
InfraVak is raising its profile at secondary vocational schools: “We are in contact with teachers and counselors and are invited to talk to classes about how rewarding work in the sector is. Practical examples of students who are proud of their work inspire the young people in the classroom. We also try to get children excited about the infrastructure sector in a playful way at primary schools. We do a lot of marketing online and make it clear that there is a place for everyone in infrastructure!”
We speak to student Sem Vos, who is following the ‘Vakman GWW’ (Civil Engineering Technician) course. He is 17 years old and dreams of becoming a machine operator. “I've wanted that since I was in elementary school,” says Sem. “The neighbors had an earthmoving company and as a child I was taken there so that the neighbor could look after me. So I was right up close to the heavy equipment. That's where the idea of becoming a machine operator myself originated, and it never left me.” Sem comes from Zonecollege in Doetinchem, VMBO. “I did basic level 2 there. However, to become a machine operator, you need level 3. That's why I went to InfraVak in Holten. Once I have my ‘Vakman GWW’ certificate, I can move on to the level 3 machine operator training program. Sem is now working at Dostal in Vorden. When asked what he would most like to do with his crane operator diploma, he says: “Become a crane operator at a company in cultural engineering. It's a great job!”
