Internal training program lets young and old excel

Along with nature and clay mining, Wetering, a multidisciplinary contractor in the GWW, emphatically focuses on people. It is a character trait that is expressed not only while performing work in the field. Within the company walls, too, there is a sharp focus on the interests of the individual. At Wetering, everyone is given the opportunity to excel and to prove their talent in practice. To this end, the Heesch-based company offers, among other things, a wide range of internal training courses. Facilities that raise the expertise of young and old to a higher level and connect seamlessly with the ever-changing customer needs.

At Wetering, affiliated with the SBB as a recognized training company, all the people and resources are available to improve the knowledge and skills of young people in particular. Through internships, work experience placements and various internal training courses. Project leader Dorus Sterken, closely involved in recruiting and hiring young potential on behalf of Wetering, explains. "We aim to have a mix of experienced professionals and young people in training on the shop floor. That way they learn the trade best and the chance of making mistakes is small. At the same time, using apprentices on a project ensures that the experienced employees have some extra hands. It's a good combination."

Proud of the results achieved

To make the work attractive to youthful forces, variety is a must. So is giving enough background information. "You have to know why you are doing something. Otherwise you won't get very far. That's also why we explain to the youth why the client wants it done in a certain way," says Sterken. He is particularly proud of the results achieved. "It's nice to help young people make a living and make tangible things. For me, a training program has succeeded when someone understands their craft. It's even better if we can then offer that person a job. You grow together and build a bond not only with each other, but also with the company. Anyone with common sense, a good work mentality and sufficient technical insight is welcome to join us."

Enthusiastic, smart and skillful

While Dorus Sterken focuses on up-and-coming youth, project leader Tom van de Wetering primarily helps retrain employees internally. "We recently retrained someone to be a machinist. We were also looking for a new foreman. Since no suitable candidate presented himself, we successfully taught someone from our own organization the tricks of the trade." 

Retraining is by no means synonymous with doing simple math, it turns out. "Making an internal switch is not for everyone," Van de Wetering believes. "The person in question has to be enthusiastic, smart and skilled. And as a company you have to be patient and willing to put enough time and energy into the retraining process. Only then is there a chance of success. It is nice if young people are eager to learn, can still be moulded and want to tackle the work with both hands. When that is the case, we at Wetering are happy to give each individual a chance."