On Friday, April 22, the official start of module 3 'Robo Future' of the dual 2-year higher professional education program: Associate degree (Ad) Industrial Automation and Robotics of NHL Stenden. The first lessons took place in the SKILL building in Drachten, where the students use the robot lab every Friday for about ten weeks during their training. In this two-year Ad course, students combine their education with a job in a company where these techniques are applied. A kind of “BBL” education in higher professional education. More and more large but also SME companies in the manufacturing industry, the process industry, the agricultural sector, industrial construction and logistics are looking for well-qualified employees in the field of industrial automation and robotization. Particularly by using robotization smartly, large and SME companies can make a lot of profit in terms of costs, quality and productivity.

After the official opening by Jooske Haije, academy director Technology & Innovation, Binne Visser, chair ICD and Joost Krebbekx, program manager ICD, the students who are already working in professional practice, entered their new study and robot room. Among the attendees of NHL Stenden were Stefan Rolink – lecturer in Software Engineering, Jolien Drent – project leader Ad course Industrial Automation and Robotics, Wilbert van den Eijnde – associate lector Smart Sustainable Manufacturing. In his welcome speech, he explained that the training was established through a collaboration with Innovatiecluster Drachten and companies in the Northern Netherlands. 

During the introduction, the students were asked what they do and what they are proud of. A few reactions from students who work at, among others, the ICD companies Philips and Photonis: Vincent works on the maintenance and repair of machines. He is proud to have successfully completed the first two modules. Nick works as a control specialist and, together with colleagues, arranges the automation of the factory. Jesper works in the metal turning shop and is proud of where he is today. Stefan works in the service department and is responsible for any problems and further developments after delivery of a machine or production line.

Jolien Drent previously worked at Philips and then moved to NHL Stenden. She wanted to do something with people at the interface of technology, education and business. Her current position as project leader Ad Industrial Automation and Robotics offered her this opportunity. Together with the students, she focuses on Personal and professional development and working according to the Lean method.

Stefan Rolink is proud to give shape to this training and sees that the students quickly make progress. Stefan gives practical lessons in Condition-based monitoring, which, among other things, discusses how you can perform production-oriented maintenance on your machines.

With this training, another great milestone has been reached in the ambition to interest more people in the Northern Netherlands in working in the high-tech industry. The dual Ad Industrial Automation and Robotics is for young technology starters who want to work in practice after their MBO4 diploma and who want to continue learning, but also offers experienced professionals in technology a great opportunity for further professionalization. 

More information about the training via Ad Industrial Automation and Robotics I NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

This training is also an SME route. For more information about the SME route: https://mkbrouteinhbo.wijzijnkatapult.nl/