Vitrona helps develop teaching materials for solar shading technicians

The profession of awning mechanic finally gets a place in the mbo. Thanks to the cooperation between trade association Romazo, training developer Savantis and the involved solar shading company Vitrona, teaching material has been developed that fits the practice and the future of the profession.

"For years there have been calls for training, but it never really got off the ground," says Marcel Nijman, a representative at Vitrona. "Everyone agreed that it was necessary, but no one had time. We felt: if we keep waiting, nothing will happen. So we went full steam ahead."

Together with Dennis van Leeuwen, a quality employee at Vitrona, Nijman checked the material, gave feedback and helped design the course. The result is an optional subject for intermediate vocational students, with seven theory chapters and five practical chapters. The course material was developed by Savantis, commissioned by Romazo. Students can carry out the practicals at awning companies or at their own schools. The exams were also reviewed by Vitrona.

"You used to hang an awning with a few screws. Nowadays you have to deal with chemical anchors, new facade materials, electronics, sustainability requirements and smart systems," Van Leeuwen says. "The profession has become much broader and more complex, and that had to be reflected in the curriculum."

Romazo is now touring the country to interest secondary schools in the trade. At least fourteen schools now offer it. In addition, there is always a need for sun protection specialists where students can go through the practical part. Some companies do not make the time for this, notes Nijman. "Yet this is crucial for the future. We always need people in the trade, and this is a good way to bring in young people in a structured way."

Vitrona also provided a workshop for teachers in February so they can be prepared to teach the new subject. "The response was positive," says Van Leeuwen. "Many teachers did not know that solar shading is so technical and diverse."

The choice of placement in the fourth year of study is proving smart. "If you offer this in the third year, students are more likely to not finish their education and go straight to work," says Nijman. "Now they can finish it with an internship, and then hopefully move on to a job in the industry."

The first copy of the textbook was festively presented to Vitrona, something the company is visibly proud of. "We hope to train many new professionals with this," says Van Leeuwen. "We will remain involved, also in updating the teaching material and possibly giving guest lectures." However, he does see room for improvement: "Smart solutions are still not discussed enough. But that is difficult, because they are strongly brand-related."

The initiative shows what is possible when industry, businesses and educational institutions work together. Or, as Nijman sums it up, "If nobody starts, nothing happens. And now we have something we can be proud of."