Students help build new school with sustainable Draka cables

At the Christian college 't Gilde in Gorinchem, electrical engineering is central. The Guild offers different levels, including basic, framework, mixed learning pathway (GL) and technical havo. It is the largest VMBO technology school in the Netherlands. How does this educational institution prepare the students for a future in electrical engineering? We spoke with a teacher Bert Vos and team leader Leo Dane about the exams, the new building of the college and sustainability. 

Electrical Engineering Teacher: Exciting and Sustainable

Bert Vos comes from the field but chose to pass on the profession to the new generation. Bert, who doesn't lose his sense of humour, says: "I've always been an electrician, but I really couldn't stand the tension, so that's why I became a teacher."  "At the moment, our students are busy with their final exams," De Vos switches back to the order of the day "They are now busy wiring a control box, pneumatics and a board assignment." For the final exam in electrical engineering, part PIE (Production, Installation and Energy), the fourth class has to complete various electrical assignments. 

Sustainability is an important theme within the Guild. Bert Vos: "And they use Draka's VD E-LINE for that. It is a high-quality and environmentally friendly product, because we want to set an example in sustainability. And the use of this durable solution works in practice the same as the regular VD wire." 

Leo agrees: "We have had a very nice collaboration with Draka for a number of years. They understand very well that the students must be able to work with the new materials and nee the latest equipment to get as close to the practice as possible. Last year we started using the new sustainable VD E-LINE from Draka And yes, we use it a few times and then it is recycled again. We think it is very important that the students also learn that everything is recycled again. And can be reused."

Practice-oriented education

The Guild's practice-oriented approach is emphasized by assignments that are closely aligned with the reality of the installation sector. This is made possible in part by collaborations with companies through the Wetech foundation. Companies give guest lectures and offer current assignments. An example is the meter box in which the latest system, Niko Home Control, is used. This system teaches students more about home automation and gives them a head start in modern electrical engineering.

New construction and student engagement

The new construction of the school is a large project in which students are actively involved. The building will be completed in October 2024 and the school intends to actually move in during the Christmas holidays. Machines and equipment need to be moved and reconnected. 

"We have to connect about 80 new machines in the new building. So yes, it's really about a lot of meters," Leo Dane enthuses. He has been working intensively on the new construction project for 5.5 years. "Students make the connecting cords themselves as part of their exam. This offers them practical experience and contributes to the new building."

"Together with the BBL department, we make the connecting cords as part of their exam. The students are going to put the sponsored neoprene cable from Draka on a sieve moulding plug. As a result, the students have immediately completed part of the exam and we can use the cables in the new building. It becomes visible to the mechanics in the making and then they can also be proud of their work," Bert de Vos further explains. 

Students of the future

A bright future for the Guild in Gorinchem. This school, which focuses entirely on engineering, offers training courses in installation engineering, electrical engineering, metal engineering, structural engineering, and mobility and transportation. Thanks to the close cooperation with companies and the focus on current, practice-oriented assignments, students are well prepared for the job market. At the same time, this creates enthusiasm among the students to actually complete their education. As a result, they become good ambassadors who get their peers excited about the profession of electrical engineering.

The Guild in Gorinchem remains an example of how technical education in the Netherlands can be both exciting and sustainable.