Developing professionals who excel in sustainable technology with a focus on lifelong learning
What’s happening? How does it happen?
The Duurzaamheidsfabriek is focused on sustainable technology, with maritime technology and energy transition in specific. Here, education is given to young and old. The shared machinery and testing facilities, owned by companies and/or schools, give the opportunity to test products and produce knowledge at a high level. As such, the factory is an important spill in the regional economy that brings in a lot of innovation for and with the maritime making industry.
Why is this an interesting circular initiative for ports?
Circular economy requires new jobs and skills. The relation between companies, knowledge institutes and ‘new jobs’ is relevant to further circularity in city ports.
What is the relation with the port and water?
The region of Drechtsteden houses leading multinational companies in the maritime sector. With over 40.000 employees it is the most important sector and work provider of the region.
What is the relation with the city?
The campus has a central location, just outside the city centre of Dordrecht. Drechtsteden is facing a ‘braindrain’ and therefore puts a lot of effort in making its economy more ‘innovative’. Providing skilled workforce, is a crucial part of it.
What are the ambitions?
To guarantee skilled workers in manufacturing by bridging the gap between innovation (new technologies), technical schools, the labor market and companies. For the educational institutions, the Duurzaamheidsfabriek provides an important impulse to increase the attractiveness of technical courses.
Who is behind it?
The Duurzaamheidsfabriek is located in the Leerpark, a technology campus, in Dordrecht and is the result of collaboration between business, education and government. The far-reaching cooperation with the business community enables education institutes like DaVinci to develop new and targeted forms of education. Companies such as Siemens, Krohne, HVC, Verkerk Groep, Sublean, Valk-Welding and IWZH are taking part of their activities to the factory.
