Techport Technology Garden

Everywhere you look around IJmond you see technology, because our region belongs to one of the five major industrial clusters of the Netherlands, with the steel industry as its main engine. Many technical companies therefore have their home base here. With the current tight labor market and shortage of technically skilled personnel, many of these companies face major challenges in finding enough staff.

For this reason, the TechportTechnique Gardenwas started. This project allows new entrants to start directly in technology and is a collaboration of Techport with, among others.the Province of North Holland, WerkgeversServicePunt ZKIJ, theNOVA College in Beverwijkand several companies in the region. Together we want to help people with a distance to the labor market find a job in technology. Whether one has a job, benefits or neither, everyone can participate.

Do you want to work in engineering, but have no degrees or experience? Here's your chance! Starting Jan. 6, 2025, the Techport Technology Garden, a 12-week retraining program, will begin. You can apply by Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. The companies below are participating in the program starting Jan. 6, 2025:

  • Vattenfall
  • Kuuk
  • Gas Service
  • Schouten Techniek
  • Construction company de Groot
  • SEVtechniek
  • Kerssens Air Treatment
  • Steka
  • Settels Installation Technology
  • Van Der Eng
  • Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services
Sign up or learn more?
Technique Garden IJmond is a pilot of Techport

Learning and working in the Technology Garden

Candidates for the Technique Garden are put forward by various parties in the social field. The pathway has a flexible intake throughout the school year, with a maximum group size of 12 participants. The pathway lasts 12 weeks in total, consisting of two phases of six weeks each: an orientation phase and a period of working with an employer, provided a suitable match is found.

In the first phase, you attend six weeks of hands-on classes. These classes take place in a hands-on learning environment, three days a week, an average of four hours a day. Most candidates complete this phase in full. Do you already have technical experience (for example, from your home country)? Then there is the possibility of starting earlier with an employer. Together with your practical teacher from NOVA College and a job coach, you discover which technique suits you best. The job coach supports you with developing skills, building work rhythm and preparing for job applications. In addition, regional companies are welcome to attend classes. They give guest lectures, get acquainted with the candidates and possibly offer short work experience placements.

The goal: a paid job

After the first six weeks, it's time for phase 2: the practical period. Once there is a match with an employer, you will go on a six-week internship to gain practical experience. If you and the company are satisfied after this period, there is a good chance that you will be offered an employment contract. Should there not be a match, we will look together for other opportunities at one of the other participating companies. Although a match with an employer is not guaranteed, together with you we will do our utmost to secure your future in the technical sector.

During your probationary period it is also possible, in consultation with your employer, to continue learning and working at the same time. Here you can study a specific technical field, such as electrical or installation engineering, welding or small infra-technology. These curricula are still under development and will be tailored to your and your employer's needs.

(Almost) everyone can participate

The Techport Technique Garden does not set requirements for the educational level of the candidates, the most important thing is your motivation and the real will. If you have an allowance, in many cases it will be retained (check with the social authority beforehand, this differs per person). Not (fully) mastering the Dutch language is not a barrier, but some basic knowledge of the Dutch language is required to follow the program. Language classes can be taken during the orientation phase, to improve your language. Working safely is an important aspect, so take classes and obtain the VCA Basis certificate before you start working for an employer.

First the pilot, now the scale-up
We started with a pilot first for this project, with a result we are proud of! On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the first pilot was concluded. Twelve participants began the orientation phase, 9 candidates began a trial period with the employer, of which 4 candidates have now already signed a contract. All participants received a certificate of participation. More than enough reasons to continue this project!

The companies listed below participated in the pilot:

TES Industrial Systems Beverwijk
Gas service
Harsveld Apparatenbouw BV
Kuuk
Patina Roofers
Brand Energy & Infrastructure services
Facta Structural Engineering
Bilfinger Industrial Services
Van der Eng B.V.
De Vilder and Wijnands Electrical Engineering
Insulation Combination

Interested in participating? Sign up today!