Brainport Academy shows that switching careers is possible
In order to fill the vacancies in the semiconductor sector in Brainport in the coming years, a different approach to talent is needed. The Brainport Academy partnership aims to contribute to this. An interview with Anja Willems and Alex van de Klerk, programme leaders of the Microchip Talent Strengthening Plan for the Southeast Brabant and Helmond de Peel labour market regions, respectively. Together, they are responsible for rolling out the Brainport Academy within the labour market regions.
Anja and Alex recognise something in each other. Both have the drive to offer talent in the region prospects and to find a great workplace for everyone. They want to open doors that job seekers think will remain closed to them. Anja: 'The world is evolving and people are changing. It's quite possible that after ten years, you discover that you'd rather do different work. Or that after years of staying at home to look after the children, you're now ready for a career. But how do you move forward? That's often where things get stuck.' Alex: “At the moment, too much potential talent remains untapped, which is a shame, because an education or job really does something for you. It gives you direction and peace of mind. We want to help those job seekers. In addition, there are many vacancies in the region.”
Showing what is possible
If there is one sector that offers opportunities for people seeking job satisfaction, it is the semiconductor industry. It is an industry that offers plenty of opportunities, but for many people it is still a “blind spot”. Alex: 'Internationals are buying houses all over the region. Many residents of the Brainport region think: “A career like that is not for me, it's only possible for people who work for innovative companies.” But you can also work in the microchip sector. We show that there are more possibilities than many people think, even if you may not have the right background at first glance.' Anja picks up on Alex's words: “It is indeed possible to change course later in your working life, but you do need to know where to start. And that's where the Brainport Academy comes in. We are also there for people who could use some extra support, who need an extra push. And we then help them find a sustainable job in the microchip sector with assistance and guidance.”
Building new routes
The Brainport Academy is not a building or a school, but a partnership between education, work centres, labour market regions, municipalities, the UWV and the business community. As Alex explains: “We are building new routes together. Our aim is to enable everyone to combine work and learning and thus choose a job in the semiconductor industry, a sector where employment is growing rapidly in the coming years.” In concrete terms, this means that the Brainport Academy is building an infrastructure for intake, progression and further training. For example, by enabling modular and flexible provision at regional educational institutions (studying in the evening or during work). Anja: 'This requires investment from both the education sector and the business community. After all, lateral entrants and those moving up the career ladder must be given the opportunity to learn and work in the business community. Good support is essential in this regard. And that support must be available. Not all companies are eager to provide it. We are currently in an economic downturn, which is a real concern for companies. It means you have to invest countercyclically. It is up to us to help them and convince them that this is necessary in order to train the talent of the future now and prepare them for working in the chip sector. Fortunately, there are already enough companies setting a good example.'
Exciting, different and innovative
The first milestones of the collaboration have already been reached. Alex: “Think of a crash course in working in technology for status holders and asylum seekers, who learn more about working in the semiconductor industry in twelve weeks. A second tranche will start soon. In addition, there is a tour of a cleanroom, such as at Ter Aa, which opens students” eyes.'
Anja: “Behind the scenes, we are currently working hard to develop many more concrete programmes and projects.” The ambitions are therefore high. By 2026, the Brainport Academy wants to guide more than 700 additional entrants to MBO programmes and enable nearly 500 people to move up or receive further training. Together: “We are building a solid foundation so that we can scale up later. These developments are energising. You really feel that together we can make a difference.”
Call to action
Anja and Alex would like to conclude by emphasising once again how important it is for companies to seek cooperation with the Brainport Academy. “Your commitment and involvement are necessary to ensure the sustainable employability of employees. By joining forces, we can really make a difference together.”