Working as a student at Huisman

Lots of freedom

Ricky is studying electrical engineering at Avans University of Applied Sciences in Den Bosch, focusing on industrial automation. At Huisman, he is creating a test rig for an autonomous movable floating solar park. “The solar panels are already there; we are now going to make them smart so they can turn towards the sun autonomously,” says Ricky, who is programming the system. “I hope to learn many new things. We have a lot of freedom at Huisman. We can work from home if we need to from time to time. I can knock on anyone’s door to discuss things at the office. All the staff are caring, committed and happy to help me, and my questions are answered quickly. After graduation, I want to work in industrial automation. I like variety. I am currently working with solar panels, but next time I might work on a machine for a bakery.”

A true family business

Royd is also studying at Avans University of Applied Sciences in Den Bosch. He is researching new products for a hybrid power system in a luxury yacht for Huisman. “During my first interview at Huisman, they asked me about my interests. I expressed a desire to work in the maritime sector. My internship assignment was based on that. I am looking for new products for the hybrid power system, studying how they are put together, and building a test setup. This internship is my first practical experience. Huisman really feels like a family business. The staff are flexible and not overly formal. If you take the initiative, you will get answers to all your questions. I work in a space with colleagues who understand what I am doing.”

Great atmosphere

Max, a technical business administration student at the HAN in Arnhem, is on his second-year internship. “It’s a lot more fun than being at school!” he laughs. “At Huisman, many projects run simultaneously. I will explore how to plan the work better. We have a project map for that. This is my second internship; My last internship was at another company, but there were two of us then; I’m doing it alone this time. Huisman is a nice company with a great atmosphere and helpful colleagues.”

Learning a lot

Daan, an industrial automation student at Avans University of Applied Sciences, is also enjoying his time at Huisman. “This is my first undergraduate-level internship. I am collaborating on developing a semi-autonomous, GPS-based control system for a positioning solution in response to a market request. There is a lot of machine safety involved. I enjoy being able to work at a company. You see things here that you don’t run into at school. I want to work as a software engineer after graduation.”

In the engine room

Mick is studying at the Technovium in Nijmegen and has started his dual vocational training pathway. “I already knew Huisman Etech Experts and looked at their locations. They do a wide variety of things in electrical engineering. I am currently collaborating in yacht construction at a shipyard in Oss. It was not my first choice, but I am enjoying it! I install cables in the engine room and am well supervised in the process. It’s hard work but fun. My training pathway lasts three years, during which I go to school once a week. After graduation, I want to work in construction or utilities.”

Panel building

Joep, a third-year secondary vocational student at Rijn IJssel in Arnhem, is working in the panel building workshop in Elst. He came into contact with Huisman through a business fair at school. “I help build control panels. Today I will be drilling holes in doors. I have great colleagues who support me well. Everyone is happy to help me. This is my second internship; I previously interned at another company in technical services. I enjoy this more. I hope to learn a lot. After graduation, I would like to do an undergraduate programme in mechatronics. After that, we’ll see. I want to work with my hands, in any case! My internship lasts for 20 weeks. I go to school one day a week. Combining school and work is manageable, even though I work long hours.

Supervision

The interns can ask questions to training coordinator Alwies Lukkezen, who also liaises with the schools. They also have one or more direct supervisors on their projects. “Interns are allowed to walk in anywhere,” says Alwies. “That is our approach to an internship. The supervisors ensure that the interns can complete their internship properly and receive help with any issues they encounter. We also include our interns in our get-togethers and company outings. They are welcome everywhere.” Some interns work with us over the holidays in addition to their internships, building up experience and getting to know our company well. We jointly look for a great position within our company during and after their education.

If you are interested in a learning and working pathway, internship or graduation project with Huisman, get in touch. We look forward to matching your interests with the opportunities within our organisation.

Mick

Joep

Ricky, Royd, Max en Daan