Preserving construction talent for the future
Twente business challenges HBO graduates in Construction Engineering to further develop themselves for jobs of today and the future.
The Construction Sector’s Need for New Talent
The construction sector faces significant challenges. In the coming years, there will be a high demand for new personnel, not only to replace an ageing workforce but also to meet future demands. Additionally, graduates in construction and the SME sector often struggle to connect. The Twente business community aims to attract recent graduates to the regional job market by offering them an appealing two-year programme. During this period, they gain work experience at three different companies. In addition to technical skill development, there is a focus on personal growth, peer learning, and personal leadership.
The goal is to attract and retain future talent, says project leader Gert Meijer: “We’re preparing students and graduates for careers in construction.” There’s still too little awareness of the job opportunities available in construction. Through this trainee programme, we aim to showcase the range of opportunities. The construction field is broad and includes a wide variety of companies and roles, from design, project preparation, and construction management to material suppliers and regulatory roles at municipal and provincial levels. Gaining experience with three different types of companies is an integral part of the programme.
Professional Development and Personal Growth
It’s not only about familiarising trainees with the company and the construction sector. “The programme also emphasises connections to societal challenges such as climate adaptation, energy, sustainability, biodiversity, and circularity,” Gert explains. “It’s about the building within its environment, urban liveability, quality of the workplace, and biodiversity in natural habitats. Different disciplines and specialities come together. We need an integrated approach.”
In addition to technical skill development, the programme also devotes time to personal growth. “This includes coaching, peer learning, handling feedback, and recognition,” says Gert. “There’s also significant interaction among trainees, allowing them to learn from each other.”
Collaboration
This project is an initiative of the Stichting Bouw Oost in partnership with MKB Twente. Bouw Oost works to make the construction industry in East Netherlands more attractive by connecting education with the professional field. Around 250 employers in Twente collaborate in this effort, with ROC van Twente, Saxion, and representatives from regional companies on the board.
“This collaboration among the various companies is genuinely valuable,” Gert remarks. “We’ve developed a programme that prepares HBO graduates well for careers in construction. They learn within the company and from each other. Modern employer practices are encouraged, enhancing the talent pool rather than competing for it. Companies are reflecting on their appeal as employers: How can they attract and retain young people? What contributions can young people make to the construction industry?”