Kempisch Ondernemers Platform and Summa join forces for craftsmanship in the Kempen

The Kempisch Ondernemers Platform (KOP) and Summa have signed a cooperation agreement today to better align learning and working in the Kempen region. Through this collaboration, both parties are committed to training and retaining skilled professionals in the region. The establishment of the Vocational School for Assembly Technology is the first concrete result of this collaboration.

The agreement focuses on three pillars: development and training, connecting students and staff to practical assignments, and jointly applying for funding for training and development. One principle is central to this: training takes place as close to practice as possible. Students and trainees learn in and with companies, with guidance from both the professional field and education.

The Vocational School for Assembly Technology immediately demonstrates what that collaboration looks like. Ten partners from the region are joining forces to meet the growing demand for well-trained professionals within the assembly sector. The partners involved are committing to the vocational school for five years.

From August, young people and career changers can start the MBO Level 2 Assembly Technology course. This course has been specially developed by Summa, in close collaboration with companies from the Kempen region. Learning takes place on the shop floor, at affiliated companies. Class days are held on location, where teachers and practical supervisors jointly provide the education.

The demand for technical personnel in the Brainport region continues to grow. With this vocational school, the Kempisch Ondernemers Platform and Summa are specifically responding to this by directly combining learning and working.

Treasurer and Portfolio Holder for Labour Market & Talent Development of the Kempisch Ondernemers Platform, Ad Keeris: “We see that companies in our region have an increasing need for well-trained professionals. By investing in workplace learning together with Summa 'in our own backyard', we strengthen both companies and talent in the Kempen.”

Summa Executive Board Chair, Annemarie Moons: “Together with the KOP, we are building education that is directly connected to practice. In this way, students and course participants develop themselves in an environment where they already live and will soon be working. This strengthens their opportunities and the region.”

The cooperation agreement has a duration of two years. During that period, both parties will work on new initiatives in which learning and working are further combined.

To learn more about the Vocational School for Assembly Technology, send an email to Johan.Ribberink@summacollege.nl.

In the photo: Annemarie Moons and Ad Keeris.