Establishment of vocational school GO Infra

“By investing in a top-quality learning environment, we create professionals who not only excel in their work, but also accelerate innovation and progress in the underground infrastructure industry.”.

Improven accompanies BAM Energie & Water B.V. and Siers Groep B.V. in realising leading vocational school for underground infrastructure

Customer

BAM Energie & Water B.V. and Siers Groep B.V. are leading players in the Netherlands in the construction, renewal and maintenance of underground energy infrastructure. Due to the energy transition and ageing population within the sector, there is a great need for well-trained professionals. BAM and Siers decided to take the training of their underground infrastructure professionals into their own hands. Together they took the initiative to set up their own vocational school: GO Infra. The project team consisting of experts from both companies and supported by Improven played a key role in realising this ambition.

Issue

The shortage of qualified personnel poses a direct challenge to the energy transition and the future resilience of the Dutch energy infrastructure. BAM and Siers wondered how they could best meet the high demand for well-trained mechanics for underground infrastructure. Improven was asked for the project management role to draw up a business plan and develop a future-proof vision and strategy for the new vocational school. Questions such as ‘what requirements must the ideal learning environment meet’, ‘how do we organise education’, ‘what forms of education do we offer’ and ‘what is needed for rapid realisation’, had to be answered.

Approach

Improven's project manager worked closely with a multidisciplinary team from BAM and Siers with experts in Business Development, Learning & Development, HR, work managers and teachers. To get a good and broad picture of wishes, requirements and possibilities, qualitative research was carried out. Large-scale interviews were held with student mechanics, professionals, various internal stakeholders and similar vocational schools. During weekly team working days, the outcomes were shared and the frameworks for the vocational school were established. On this basis, the business plan was further developed, including mission, vision, objectives and a clear strategy for education and the design of the curriculum. Important in this were the modular structure of the education programme and a good connection between professional theory and practical education and daily practice outside on ‘the pit’.

Various growth scenarios were also worked out and an implementation plan was made with quick wins and far-reaching educational optimisations. Finally, Improven developed a brand strategy together with the team, including naming and positioning of GO Infra, giving the school a clear profile in the sector.

Throughout the project, Improven brought in its expertise in project management, business planning, change management, education and supervising complex partnerships between public and private parties. Moreover, after education within the vocational school had actually started, Improven's project manager temporarily fulfilled the role of Manager vocational school. In this position, Improven was responsible for both ‘running the business’ and ‘changing the business’ of GO Infra, which meant managing the day-to-day operations as well as the strategic further development of the vocational school.

Result

The process led to the successful establishment of GO Infra, the training centre for underground infrastructure. This puts BAM and Siers in control of education. Apprentice mechanics from all contracting companies, network operators and installation companies can follow a recognised BBL course at GO Infra. Thanks to Improven's structured approach, BAM and Siers now have a sound business plan, a clear strategic course and a concrete implementation plan for future growth. The growth and optimisation model offers room for further improvements and various collaborations. A foundation has been laid for an in-house student monitoring system that will structurally guarantee transparency on student progress towards stakeholders as well as the quality of student guidance.

With a strong brand and communication strategy, GO Infra stands out as the answer to training issues in underground infrastructure. The flat organisational structure, support from both companies and well-functioning governance ensure a professional learning environment for both students and staff, with a strong focus on quality and pride. Meanwhile, GO Infra is operational and the school makes a substantial contribution to training professionals who are indispensable for the energy transition and future-proofing the Dutch underground infrastructure.