New orientation program helps young people choose a technical study program

With its Technology and Engineering Orientation Program, Summa responds to the growing need for technical talent in the Brainport region. This program introduces students to various technical disciplines, such as mechatronics, ICT, and automotive engineering. This helps them discover their talents and interests and make a more sustainable study choice.

"We see that some young people find it difficult to choose a suitable study program," says Willy Ickenroth, Director of Education at Summa Engineering. "This applies to several sectors, but especially to technology. Ignorance often plays a role: if you've never encountered automotive technology, you don't know if it's a good fit for you. With the orientation program, we want to offer young people who are unsure about pursuing a technical vocational program the opportunity to explore the various technical fields."

In the Technology and Engineering orientation program, students receive instruction in various Summa technical programs (levels 3 and 4 of vocational education). This gives them a glimpse into metal technology, electrical and installation technology, the laboratory, engineering, automotive, process technology, and ICT. "They carry out assignments there and are supervised by our instructors. This way, they can experience for themselves: is this a good fit for me? Do I enjoy it? And do I feel at home here?" They also visit companies that align with the program they participated in. "That way, students see where they end up after graduation. I think those company visits are incredibly important. After a technical degree, you can work in so many different places. We want to show students that diversity."

One day a week is reserved for subjects such as Dutch, English, math, and citizenship, as well as for career orientation and developing personal skills. "At the end of the program, you really want a student to say: I now know what I can and want. That's why getting to know yourself and reflecting on yourself is a key aspect." If a student makes a decision during the program, we consider whether they can enroll directly in the desired program. "Some technical programs allow for that. Sometimes, they have to wait a bit longer. And if the student prefers to do an internship first, we can help with that too."

The program is intended for young people who have completed secondary school or who have a transfer certificate from HAVO level 3 to 4. It is also for MBO students who have completed a maximum of one year of a level 3 or 4 program. "And who therefore find choosing a study program difficult," Willy adds. "Even after attending open days." According to the education director, the program prevents young people from making hasty choices that later turn out to be unsuitable. "Sometimes a program is chosen based on the advice of others. If it turns out it's not a good fit after all, students still drop out. This program helps them first explore what truly suits them, so that the final study choice is more sustainable."

With this initiative, Summa is contributing to attracting technical talent. "The demand for qualified technical personnel is growing in the Brainport region. With this orientation program, we hope to get more students interested in technology." The program stems from the Beethoven project, in which regional agreements were made to train additional talent for the semiconductor industry and its suppliers. "We deliberately broadened our program because if you want to attract technical talent to the semiconductor industry, you have to cast the net very wide." The idea is also that other vocational education institutions can adopt the approach. "As far as I'm concerned, this program shouldn't only be offered to students in the Brainport region, but also beyond. That's why we're sharing our experiences with this technology program with other vocational education institutions. Let's learn from each other so we can tackle the challenges in the technology sector together."

The Engineering and Technology Orientation Program starts in August, and the first twenty applications have already been received. For more information or to apply, visit the Summa website.