Craft Your Career at VDL Groep
Craft Your Career, the masterclass for talented engineers in the Brainport region, took place on Thursday, April 20th. Summa students visited VDL Groep in Eindhoven this time, following previous visits to Philips, ASML, and KMWE.
Young professionals speak out
The program at VDL Groep included presentations by young professionals who, not so long ago, were themselves searching for their place in the job market. "What gives me satisfaction? What do I find important?" According to Jaap Baselmans, who works at VDL Packaging, everything revolves around job satisfaction and craftsmanship. He defines craftsmanship as talent, passion for the profession, and ownership. Talent alone isn't enough. You also have to take responsibility and be willing to work hard, he says.
According to Jaap, VDL Groep currently has 637 vacancies, 55% of which are for talented individuals with a vocational (MBO) diploma. With plenty of opportunities for advancement. His advice: make progress, think in possibilities, keep challenging yourself, dare to make mistakes, and go on a journey of discovery.
Wouter Verstappen's presentation will sound familiar to many students. He hit a rough patch during his school years and started learning support classes. By constantly asking himself what's important to him, he now has a vocational diploma and a position he enjoys at Philips Healthcare.
Family business VDL Group
After a tour of VDL Groep's innovative Experience Center, where the collaboration with ASML was illuminatingly explained, the Summa students received a presentation from director Jennifer van der Leegte. She made an impression, especially because she was so down-to-earth and human. Apparently, a director doesn't always have to be aloof and purely businesslike. Jennifer: "We're a family business, and we're proud of that. We have almost 17.000 employees and a turnover of six billion euros, but we stay true to ourselves. Everyone only uses first names."
Opportunities in the Brainport region
Rosanne Verstraaten, a Machining student, is impressed. "I found the speakers and their personal stories impressive and inspiring. They've made it in life through their drive and ambition, despite their different backgrounds and setbacks. I learned that you should do what's fulfilling." Niels Douven, a Smart Industry Technician student, also found it an informative day. "This series of Craft Your Career meetings gives a great overview of the opportunities in our region, with stories that students can relate to. It's great that we get to meet so many people at all these wonderful companies, and it's great that they want to help us by welcoming us."