Passing on knowledge to the next generation
We believe it is important to invest in these generations and let them experience our cutting-edge techniques. Therefore, in collaboration with the Regional Technical Centers (RTC), we organised seven training days for students in secondary vocational and technical education.
JDN Connect Day and Training Day for Teachers
First, the teachers got a preview. On November 22nd, 70 tutors had the opportunity to get to know Jan De Nul and our technical expertise. We organised several workshops for them to participate in. And it was a hit! With their feedback, we then got down to the real work: organising a motivating training for the next generation.
To thoroughly develop the training, we organised two additional training days for the tutors together with the RTC. They worked with the Jan De Nul colleagues to prepare the exercises thoroughly and provide good guidance for the students.
“With the JDN Connect Day, we want to make the curriculum more engaging and prepare the next generation for a technical career. Our aim is to let students feel what an organisation does exactly, what a company in the construction sector looks like, and what a technical job entails. We want to inspire them to pursue technical roles in the future.”
Katrien Schrever, Talent Manager Jan De Nul Group.
Getting to Work in Erpe-Mere and Lommel
In total, we welcomed 87 enthusiastic students. On April 23rd and 25th, we received the first two groups. They were able to get hands-on at the construction site in Erpe-Mere, where we are renovating two bridges. From May 27th to 30th, the last groups discovered the site of the ecoduct over the N71 in Lommel.
Our experts on-site provided more explanations about the different formwork systems we use. The students then engaged in two practical exercises. A tour of the construction site was also part of the program. At the end of the day, both students and tutors were very satisfied. We also received positive feedback from the RTC.
“My students from Team Dual Construction Syntrapxl Genk really enjoyed exploring various formwork techniques today. As a teacher, it was wonderful to see them fully immersed in the activities. This was mainly thanks to the enthusiasm and passion of the Jan De Nul employees. They put the students to work immediately, which created a sense of responsibility for them.”
Peter Vandersmissen, Dual Construction Formwork Tutor Syntrapxl
The next generations
Investing in the future is key at Jan De Nul. Education plays an important role in this. We engaged in dialogue with tutors about how we can support their lessons from a practical perspective and inspire students for technical careers. By offering workplace learning, developing practical exercises, or promoting STEM and/or graduation projects, we can bridge the gap between theory and practice in collaboration with schools.