Elektro Internationaal, which has mostly been in the spotlight in recent months because of its brand-new building along the A12, wants to focus on substance in this edition of OnderNamen. Yes, their new headquarters has an impressive appearance that contributes to their operations in every way, but for the international player from Woerden, it is primarily about what’s inside. And that, HR advisor Donna van Koert explains, is even more interesting than the attractive exterior. We speak with her and three other women with a passion for technology about talent development, perception, and collaboration.

Donna van Koert, HR Advisor at Elektro Internationaal

“Above all, we want our ‘beautiful inside’ to inspire other entrepreneurs and companies in the region,” Donna begins. “Our building may look appealing from the outside, but it is mainly designed around content. It symbolizes technical (talent) development, craftsmanship, and the major role our company plays in the energy transition. We want to show how we attract talent and how we retrain and upskill them in-house. And we are proud of the collaborations we have with various regional educational initiatives.”

EI creates products you often don’t see but are indispensable. Without power distribution panels, no distribution center, data center, or office can operate. “Everyone wants to scroll endlessly on TikTok, but that is impossible without our technology. We provide the foundation that brings a building to life.” She sees how young people are surprised when they discover what Elektro Internationaal actually does. “Electrical engineering may not sound ‘sexy’, but once young people experience the work, the spark ignites. Many colleagues started here through an internship, holiday job, or side job and stayed because the work is varied, teachable, and fun. Once the spark hits you, the fire really starts burning here,” she says with a laugh.

She mentions examples of colleagues who grew within EI, such as employees from Eritrea who advanced from vocational level 2 to level 4 and now supervise interns themselves. Or Elvira, who started as a holiday worker, retrained into technology, now works in the test department, and even joined a project in Kenya. “Talent creates new talent. It’s wonderful to see.”

Donna also sees EI’s regional role expanding, especially through the TechnoHUB, the Kalsbeek College, and MBO Utrecht. The company even donated a complete workbench to support technical lessons at the TechnoHUB. “For the opening of our new building, we asked invited guests to help make that donation possible. Not only we, but all technical companies in Woerden depend on good technical education. That’s why we’re happy to invest together with schools in the next generation of technicians.”

According to Donna, there is still a major gap to close. “There is still a shortage of technical professionals, but it’s great to see that various educational institutions are once again focusing on technology. We’re happy to play a role in that, for example by giving guest lectures or offering internships. You have to keep feeding each other information so that practice and education align better and better. Developing technical talent is an ongoing process that we must continue to nurture together.”

She is clear about the future. “What we do may not be ‘cuddly’, but it is cool. We develop new ways to distribute power, solve electrical problems, implement AI in our processes… In short: we create tangible products that add value. Once people walk through our doors and experience how dynamic our work is, they stay.”

'Developing technical talent is an ongoing process that we must continue to nurture together'

hr@ei-woerden.nl

Marlous Stillebroer, Director of TechnoHUB Woerden

Marlous Stillebroer is the director and driving force behind the Woerden TechnoHUB: a learning environment where primary school pupils, secondary students, and vocational education students come into contact with the latest technologies.

She sees firsthand what the collaboration between Elektro Internationaal, the TechnoHUB, and other regional partners achieves. “We have created something meaningful in Woerden: a place where we have secured the continuity of technical education. We introduce children and students at all levels to the latest technologies, but employees and career changers can also continue developing here. We teach classes, organize workshops, LivingLabs, events, and help arrange internships and graduation projects—all to make technology more attractive.”

You have to do it together; only then can you ignite the flame'

The strength of the collaboration lies in the interaction between education and business, she explains. Companies contribute practical knowledge, real-life examples, and technical depth; schools bring young people, curiosity, and learning pathways. Elektro Internationaal is one of those companies. “They provide guest teachers, materials, assignments, and expertise. They make technology visible and tangible.”

Marlous sees how technology truly comes alive when you link it to the world of young people. She describes how students instantly understood grid congestion once its impact on their daily lives was explained. “That’s when the penny drops.”

Her dream for ten years from now? “That parents tell their children: go into technology. Or even better: that the image of technical professions is so positive that there’s a waiting list for technical programs.” She is proud of how regional collaboration brings together education, businesses, and youth. “You have to do it together; only then can you ignite the flame.”

info@technohub.nl

Lydia Buijs, Design & Technology Teacher at Kalsbeek College Woerden

Lydia Buijs is committed to breaking through the traditional—often outdated—image students have of technology. She sees how young people still often associate it with “tough, male, or dirty”, while the field is actually broad, creative, and suitable for many types of learners.

“Technology is for everyone. I see that again and again, and that’s the message.” Together with TechnoHUB and Elektro Internationaal, she is developing a program in which students not only see technology but actually experience it. As part of the Kalsbeek program, three groups visit a company—one of them being Elektro Internationaal—so that 240 students per day get acquainted with real-world practice. “Experience matters. Young people need to feel it.”'

'Technology is for everyone—that’s the message'

In her Design & Technology classes, she wants to firmly anchor technology through projects, experiments, real examples, and collaboration with companies. EI supports this by sharing knowledge and introducing students to the real world of engineering. “We know the students; they know the technology. Together, you bring both the field and the world of Elektro Internationaal to life. In the future, we might consider guest lessons. A good guest teacher is indispensable in bridging the gap between textbooks and the industry. They can truly spark young people’s interest.”

Lydia sees the collaboration as a starting point. “We’re just getting started. What will be interesting is to see later what impression the program leaves on students and how we can further improve and expand it.”

bjs@kalsbeek.nl

Yamina Lakbiach, Manager of the Academy of Technology at MBO Utrecht

When Yamina Lakbiach moved from industry to vocational education three years ago, she immediately felt how crucial the connection to real-world practice is. “We train students to become beginning professionals, and it’s natural to involve the field in that. By working together, education aligns better with reality,” she says.

From her very first day, Yamina actively sought collaboration with companies—including Elektro Internationaal—to bring education closer to real practice. Companies contribute to the curriculum, give guest lessons, and provide feedback on the skills and mindset truly needed in the field. “That exchange is essential. You need each other to properly prepare students for what awaits them.”

These practical reflections lead to valuable conversations, she explains. “Sometimes we hear that students arrive late or start without their materials. We discuss that together: this isn’t a strict school rule; it’s preparation for the real world. Those insights are incredibly valuable.”

The collaboration extends beyond the curriculum. Through projects such as Girlsday and ICT initiatives, female role models from companies also become visible. “That makes technology relatable and accessible. Students see that these women also work in engineering and construction; that immediately gives perspective.”

'Education and industry must continuously feed each other'

In the coming year, Yamina wants to take another step. She is working on a modular yearly program in which education and industry collaborate even more intensively. “Ideally, companies will eventually teach parts of our curriculum. But pedagogically well thought out—because a guest lecture is not a presentation. It requires interaction and connection with the student. That’s why we pair companies with teachers.”

What moves her most is the intrinsic commitment of partners like Elektro Internationaal. “They invest time and knowledge in our students without being obligated to. That social heart truly makes a difference.”

She is optimistic about the future. “In a few years, I see us working even more closely as partners in education. That will improve quality and give students a stronger foundation for what they will encounter later.”

Y.lacbiach@mboutrecht.nl