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Platform on sun and daylight control, shutters, patio covers and closures
For more than five years he had been walking around with the idea of establishing an assembly trade school for the awning, exterior blinds and garage door industry. Owner Bert Ruiter of BVR Wooncomfort finally put his money where his mouth is. With the move of his company to a beautiful, spacious location in Houten, he saw an opportunity to actually realize his plans.
"There has been a great tension in the assembly field in our industry for ages," he opens the conversation. "Good mechanics are hard to find. Companies in our industry are very frugal about their experienced mechanics. In addition, technical training programs lack a focus on our beautiful profession. Then there is only one thing to do: take the reins yourself."
Bert Ruiter has pulled out all the stops to provide training in the spacious new building he moved into in Houten at the beginning of this year.
In the new building in Houten that he moved into at the beginning of this year, Ruiter has pulled out all the stops to provide training. For example, both practical and theory rooms have been set up. "The training we provide is intended both for young people who have chosen a technical education and for retraining lateral entrants between the ages of 30 and 55. We try to get students excited about this beautiful profession, which is how we are involved in 'Houten on Stage'. A great way to let them get a taste of our profession. Very necessary, because no matter how important our industry may be, there is no young person who thinks of sun blinds, outdoor blinds or garage doors by themselves."
Rider's efforts have not gone unnoticed at the UWV either. Consequently, he receives all the support he can get from that corner. "Unemployed people who have difficulty om to find work but have an affinity for technology can be retrained by us, with a job guarantee. We are talking about both men and women, although the proportion of men is still the highest. Moreover, this plan is being scaled up nationwide. We have the cooperation of twelve training companies that have committed themselves to us, all of them with a job guarantee. reputable awning companies."
Meanwhile, Ruiter receives support from manufacturers of blinds, exterior blinds, garage doors and awnings. The necessary teaching materials are developed in-house, with help from the manufacturers. A titanic task, according to Ruiter. To ensure that the technical information is written down in such a way that it becomes solid teaching material, the help of professional teachers has been enlisted. "So all input for creating teaching materials comes from professional sources. Tool suppliers also hook in, as well as suppliers of assembly equipment. Very important to mention is that our teaching material is neutral and suitable for everyone. This is because everyone involved realizes that we are serving a higher, general purpose with the training. It is certainly not an advertising model in disguise."
"An apprentice starting this training really only needs a few things," Ruiter states. "Mainly enthusiasm and motivation and the drive to want to learn a real trade. When the training is completed, the trainee must realize that he or she is not just a mechanic, but a bringer of home comfort. You don't just install, you facilitate safety and convenience for the customer and act as an ambassador for your employer and the entire industry."
The idea to transfer knowledge came from Ruiter and his wife. The plans were very concrete from the beginning and practice shows how seriously things were taken. The location in Houten has three 60 m2 theory classrooms, good for fifteen students per day, per classroom. The practical classroom measures 150 m2.
Awnings up to 8 m in length can be assembled, cloths and motors changed, complete garage doors assembled and entire patio covers built. There is also a 60 m2 room for electronics classes. "And all that indoors," Ruiter adds.
The courses are designed for both young people who have chosen a technical education and for retraining lateral entrants between the ages of 30 and 55.
Eand training lasts six to eight weeks. This is followed by a three- to four-month internship at a training company. Apprentices are used as a team per day under supervision. Guidance is provided from the apprenticeship company or from the assembly school. Above them will be a temp agency to help people find work, or from where trained mechanics can be sent out. "Work is therefore assured," says Ruiter.
Lesson programs can be taken in modules. "Think of modules such as tool theory, building science and basic electronics. In addition, social skills are taught, covering things like working neatly, how to deal with the customer, tidying up and representation. All of these form the basics. The basic modules are followed by the theory and practical part in the various product groups."
The training seems promising and could be a boost for the awning industry. With its central location in Houten, the location is easy for anyone to reach by car, train or bus. Parking is available in front of the door and people who have to come from very far can possibly use the Van der Valk Hotel, which is located at walking distanced is located.
