In and around Twente, a great deal of effort is being put into raising the profile of the semiconductor cluster. Through initiatives such as the ‘OH Chips!’ campaign, this Beethoven region is seeking to reach young people at an early stage and show them just how broad the semiconductor supply chain is. Eugène Reuvekamp, Twente regional coordinator for the Beethoven Talent Programme, is jointly responsible for this. We’re making the chip sector more tangible, to increase the intake of students into technical courses.’
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As well as being programme director of the ChipTech Twente partnership, Eugène is one of the four regional coordinators of the Beethoven Talent Programme (known as ChipTech Twente Talent in Twente). ‘The programme has a wonderful aim: to attract and train more professionals for the Dutch semiconductor industry,’ he explains. ‘We do this both nationally and regionally, by developing programmes and campaigns in collaboration with the education sector, the government and the business community. The management and coordination are handled by Twente Board, our economic development agency.’
Eugène’s career path led him to this role. For many years, he worked in materials characterisation. First as a researcher at the University of Twente, and later as an R&D specialist at Philips Analytical X-Ray (now Malvern Panalytical). ‘In recent years, I had a global role there, focused on innovation and technology scouting. That also included talent recruitment. It’s great that I can now put that experience to use for the Beethoven programme.’
A worthy cause
Eugène is used to getting people excited about a field they can’t immediately picture. ‘Materials characterisation is a real niche, so it was quite a challenge to find the right people. We then set up an international recruitment campaign, working in partnership with universities of applied sciences and universities. I can put that knowledge and experience to good use now. When the role of regional coordinator for the Beethoven Talent Programme came up, I knew: this is how I can put my experience to good use in an enjoyable way, for a worthy cause. I still find it a challenge to make successful matches.’
According to Eugène, good educational programmes are the foundation for enabling technical talent to flourish. His task is made easier by the fact that the Twente region offers many technical training opportunities at all levels. ‘We have the University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences here, of course, and ROC van Twente also offers a range of technical courses. Having so many options close to home makes choosing a technical course much easier.’
Jobs for the taking
But young people do need to choose a technical course. With the OH Chips! campaign, developed using Beethoven funds, the Twente region is targeting young people considering a technical course at vocational college, university of applied sciences or university. ‘Personally, I hope we can extend this a little further to Year 7 and 8, because the younger we can get our target group excited, the better.’ That can sometimes be quite tricky. ‘For many young people, a job in the chip industry isn’t very tangible, unlike being a police officer or working in a hospital. The campaign focuses on informing, inspiring and motivating. We want to showcase the full breadth of the sector and the opportunities available in this region. The initial reactions have been very positive. That gives us confidence for the future!’
Source: Brainport Eindhoven
