Leo Fransen: “What concerns us most is the increasing pressure in workshops at training companies, caused by staff shortages.”
Closing the back door is more important than encouraging inflow
“To avoid losing human capital, we must keep the ‘back door’ closed. That requires improving the quality of employers’ practices across the sector.” Innovam works closely with Stichting OOMT and BOVAG to support entrepreneurs in strengthening their role as employers and creating workplaces people want to stay in. “Investing in people gives them a reason to remain. You achieve two things at once: quality improves, and team stability increases.”
The Classroom of the Mobility Sector
Innovam is the largest training organisation for the mobility sector in the Netherlands. To help the industry remain future-proof, it offers a wide range of complete learning programmes for technicians through importer (dealer) networks and suppliers. The organisation now provides more than 150 training courses. Each year, around 45,000 people participate in a course or training at Innovam. Additionally, Innovam conducts around 50,000 exams per year, issues certificates, and therefore functions as the “classroom” for the mobility sector.
Many institutions in the Netherlands offer training for the mobility industry. What makes Innovam stand out? Who can turn to Innovam?
“We do much more than provide training and education. For the training and certification of professionals, Innovam works closely with various importers, both nationally and internationally. We create complete training plans and offer administrative support. We also enable importers to use our modern facilities for their own practical training. Innovam works with trainers from the field and is active in all steps of the training chain, from student inflow via vocational colleges (ROC’s), to upskilling, examinations, and certification.”
“We can respond quickly to technological changes. In our state-of-the-art Extended Reality studio, we develop interactive learning materials that enable future professionals to become familiar with Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and 3D printing. Last but not least, Innovam has a strong network of importers, manufacturers, workshops, and dealer groups. Many of our competitors engage in ‘cherry picking’ and therefore offer a much more limited package.”
Who can turn to Innovam? How broad is the offering?
“Our extensive webshop includes training for every level and every segment of mobility: passenger cars, trucks, bicycles, caravans, and even maritime applications. In addition, many advisors and account managers are ready to help companies with training and HR-related questions.”
Which programmes are currently the most popular?
Among dealer groups, in-company “company schools” are currently in high demand. Innovam supports organisations in setting up vocational education programmes at multiple levels, including extra practical training and exam preparation. This helps students acquire the right skills more quickly. In partnership with vocational colleges, Innovam ensures a strong combination of theory and practice, preparing students optimally for future work in the sector. They currently do this for companies such as Van Mossel, Louwman Group, several bicycle companies, and damage repair businesses.
Unsurprisingly, everything related to working on electric vehicles is extremely popular. Innovam anticipated the electrification trend early on and began offering courses in this field twelve years ago. Today, Innovam has training contracts with several importers and car manufacturers.
How does Innovam respond to rapid technological developments?
This includes AI and advanced automated driving functions in vehicles. “We ensure that all training and learning materials are continuously updated and aligned with the latest technical developments. Courses on hydrogen, electric vehicles, and ADAS systems have been part of our programme for years. Knowledge transfer still happens face-to-face in classrooms, but increasingly also through digital methods.”
Human capital involves multiple groups of youth, reskilling employees, and older workers adapting to new technologies. What does Innovam offer these groups?
“Let’s start with the BBL group, vocational students who work four days a week and attend school one day. For them, we offer additional practical training so they become productive more quickly and are better prepared for exams.”
“Then there are the career changers. In cooperation with several vocational colleges, special programmes have been developed to bring them back into the sector through learning–working pathways.”
“We also support the previously mentioned company schools, essentially in-company mbo programmes with additional guidance, extra practice, and additional exam elements. Furthermore, we help BBL students who sometimes struggle to keep up with the MBO level, ensuring they can still reach the finish line.”
Together with local bicycle entrepreneurs, Innovam has created so-called Cycle Hubs, combining bicycle shops and training locations under one roof. There are now hubs in Amsterdam, Roermond, and Middelburg. The concept aims to help people with a significant distance from the labour market reintegrate into work. For older employees, Innovam offers self-paced upskilling. “We strongly believe in lifelong learning for everyone. That principle is at the core of Innovam’s approach.”
Women are significantly underrepresented in technical professions within the mobility sector. What does Innovam do to attract and retain women?
“About 2.5% of students in mobility-related studies are women. We regularly ask companies to participate in promotional videos to inspire more women to enter technical roles. Most companies are hesitant because they believe mechanics should not be treated as separate categories. Still, we strongly support initiatives that encourage more women to pursue technical careers.”
Labour shortages in the Netherlands may persist for two more decades. How does Innovam view this challenge?
“The mobility sector has one advantage: the inflow of vocational students remains relatively stable, unlike other technical sectors. At the same time, ageing and demographic decline have a significant impact.”
Fransen is concerned about the increasing pressure in workshops at training companies. “BBL students often receive insufficient guidance because mentors simply do not have enough time, while 80% of a BBL student’s learning takes place in the workplace. Employers should take more responsibility and allocate sufficient time for practical supervision. Understandably, production often takes priority, but this leads to talent being lost.”
“Our sector’s problem is not the inflow at the front, but the outflow at the back. To keep the back door closed and retain talent, improving employer quality is essential.”
Anyone visiting Innovam for training or meetings can walk through the EV Knowledge Route to see how electric vehicles are built, which components they contain, and what is needed to work safely on them, from e-bike to e-truck. Free and open to all.
