Technology Orientation Year: 'You learn a lot, you see a lot, and you will naturally find out what suits you'

Quirijn Traast (17) from Knegsel knew one thing for sure: it had to be something related to technology. But what exactly? He had no idea. After 4 years of secondary school, he therefore did not immediately choose a specific course of study, but the Orientation Year on Engineering and Technology (OTT) At Summa: a year in which you explore various technical courses and discover what suits you, to then make a conscious choice. “I’m not really into learning from books. I prefer working with my hands. So this suits me better.”

According to Quirijn, what makes the orientation year strong is the variety and the wide range of options. “I find everything they offer really very positive. You get lessons in various technical fields, such as Summa Automotive, Summa Engineering en Summa Laboratory, and you visit many technology companies.”

Quirijn got stuck in HAVO 4 at the end of the school year. “I didn’t finish my year and hadn’t really caught up yet on all the different study programs available. But when I heard about this orientation year, I signed up immediately. This suits me.” The interest in technology was already there. “I always found physics and chemistry interesting. And technology in general. I knew I wanted to go in that direction.”

The program is practically oriented. “On Monday you are at school. On Tuesday and Wednesday you go to various study programs, for example to Summa Technology at the BIC in Eindhoven or at other Summa locations where technical education is central. On Thursdays, you usually go on a company visit to a technical company in the region. And on Fridays, you look back on the week and discuss what you liked and what you didn't.

In addition, there are guest lectures. “For example, about drones or business administration. That provides a different perspective. In a short time, you simply get to see many different sides of working in technology.”

In addition to exploring technical study programs, students also work on their personal development. They participate in career orientation, develop skills such as collaboration and presentation, and complete an elective. Subjects such as Dutch, mathematics, English, and citizenship are also part of the program.

Quirijn started the year with a group of ten students. By now, some have already found their direction. “One went into ICT, another to the lab. Yet another switched to a construction program. That is perfectly possible during the year, if you know for sure what you want.”

“My final choice is getting closer. I am currently hesitating between electrical engineering and installation technology. I do want to head towards non-residential construction, so larger buildings and installations.” At the end of the year, he will make his final choice for further education.

The internships help with that. “You do three four-week internships. That is really useful, because that way you see what the work is really like and get a good idea of ​​the profession.”

The year also yields concrete results. “You obtain your VCA, which is a basic safety certificate you need to work safely in the technical field. And you take exams for Dutch and arithmetic. You will receive an exemption for those later in your training.”

“Because the entire range of options is reviewed, you can make a very conscious choice. That helps enormously. I would definitely recommend this orientation year. You learn a lot, you see a lot, and you are often engaged in very practical work.”