A leading project by: Dow Benelux B.V, Scalda, Cargill B.V., Century Aluminum, Elopak, EPZ, ICL, Synthomer, Trinseo, Yara and Zeeland Refinery (Netherlands) – Subcategory: Skilled workforce
The Junior Practice Program (JPP) is an innovative regional partnership between Scalda, a vocational school in The Netherlands, and ten business partners. Scalda provides a broad range of education across 16 disciplines. Through this initiative, the curriculum is enhanced, enabling students to engage with real-world work environments earlier in their studies. This hands-on experience allows them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical tasks, offering valuable insights into their future careers while sparking their interest in technical fields.
Motivation for Implementation
The JPP was conceived in response to the widespread labour shortage in technical fields. Both companies and regional schools have observed a decline in the number of students enrolling in and completing technical courses.
To address this, Dow and Scalda initiated exploratory sessions to revamp the existing curriculum. The goal was to expose students to the technical industry early on, fostering enthusiasm and sustained interest throughout their education.
Program structure
The JPP pilot targets second-year Maintenance (mechanical and E&I) students and first-year Process Technique students at Scalda, Terneuzen. Students spend one day a week at a partner company, working on assignments that align with their coursework. This practical experience is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
Curriculum before and after JPP implementation
Before the JPP, students had limited exposure to internships, often only in the later stages of their education. The revamped curriculum integrates JPP assignments from the first year, providing continuous industry engagement. This approach ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of their field from the outset.
Stakeholders and Collaboration
The success of the JPP pilot is attributed to the collaboration between Scalda and ten regional companies: Cargill B.V., Century Aluminum, Dow, Elopak, EPZ, ICL, Synthomer, Trinseo, Yara, and Zeeland Refinery.
These partners have worked together to create a supportive framework, including updating site policies, selecting mentors, and organising events. The design team, comprising mentors from both Scalda and the partner companies, ensures that assignments are relevant and beneficial.
Details of the JPP pilot
Students visit their chosen company every Thursday, working under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program includes five assignments for Process Technique students, covering topics such as safety, equipment identification, and operator roles. Maintenance students tackle real-life problems, such as overhauling pumps or repairing instrumentation. These assignments are evaluated through a structured protocol, fostering continuous improvement.
Expected outcomes and achieved results
The JPP aims to enhance students’ understanding of the connection between theory and practice, increase their interest in technical fields, and reduce dropout rates.
Early results are promising, with improved certification success rates, updated courses, and a positive shift in student attitudes. The program has also sparked interest among older students, highlighting its alignment with current educational needs.
Future of the JPP
Encouraged by the pilot’s success, the JPP will continue for first and second-year Process Technique students. While the Maintenance course will undergo restructuring, the expanded JPP will welcome new industry partners to accommodate the growing number of students. This continued collaboration promises to benefit students, schools, and companies alike, making it a worthwhile investment for all involved.
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