Participant Mariette talks about the first month of Technique Garden
The beginning of April saw the launch of Techniektuin IJmond, the project of Techport, the Province of North Holland, WSP Zuid-Kennemerland and IJmond, Nova College Beverwijk and 11 companies that allows new entrants to actually start in a technical profession. Over 12 weeks, the 10 participants are immersed in the world of technology.
Six weeks of classes, six weeks of internships
The Techniektuin IJmond is divided into two parts. During the first six weeks, the participants take technical classes at the NOVA Campus in Beverwijk and try out various technical fields such as electrical, metal, installation, process and insulation technology. They also get to know the 11 companies affiliated with this pilot: they visit them and receive guest lectures. This way, the participants get a good idea of what each company does and what skills you need for it. After these six weeks of orientation, the candidates will start their internship at one of the eleven affiliated companies at the end of May.
The Technique Garden participants have now been busy for just under a month. Mariëtte Wonder, 55 years old, from Beverwijk tells what her impression is so far.
Looking realistic
Mariëtte takes the Technology Garden very seriously. She grabs a notebook. "Look, I have made an outline. For each company, I write down what they do about sustainable employability, whether it is an SME, what my first impression is, and what kind of work they offer. That way, I come up with a list of pluses and minuses. And based on that, I will make my choice. It does give me a bit of choice stress though, because I like everything! But I also have to be realistic, because seven months ago I got a new hip. I can do almost everything, but lifting a 35-kg boiler up the stairs every day is not good for my body."
