The demand for sheet metal workers in the aviation industry is high, also at Fokker Techniek. To meet this demand, People with Skills trainer Ab trains sheet metal workers at Fokker Techniek in Woensdrecht. His students are enthusiastic about the training, which prepares them to work on complex aircraft such as the F-35.
"It's mostly retraining," Ab explains. "Most have experience in new construction, but now they are learning repair and maintenance. That's really a different line of work." In addition to F-35 training, he also provides civilian retraining. "From new-build F-16, for example, say military, to civilian. That's my main job."
Candidates go through a theoretical and practical test as well as an interview. "We mainly look at their personality," Ab explains. "Whether they are trainable and compliant. That is the most important thing for us."
Standard plate work training lasts eight weeks. During this period they receive intensive training from Ab, in a separate classroom. After two months, they start working in the hangar under the guidance of a buddy. The F-35 training, conducted in cooperation with ACRATS, is shorter at four weeks and more theoretical in nature. In addition to sheet metal, composites are also covered here. After two weeks of training at ACRATS, students receive two weeks of training from Ab. "For some more guidance and training, also some civilian sheet metal, because they do need a little bit of a sheet metal base when they go away." Students in the F-35 program, after completing their training with Ab, go to work at the airbase in Leeuwarden or Volkel.
Ab is enthusiastic about his work. "I think it's super fun to do!" When he was asked to lead this program, he didn't hesitate for a second. "I didn't think about that for one night." With his experience as a teacher at an ROC, teaching is no stranger to him. "I always said: that was the most fun thing I've ever done."
In the future, Ab hopes to expand the class and also offer school leavers full training. "But right now the demand for people is so high that we are focusing on retraining," Ab says. His students are enthusiastic and learn quickly. Some of his students are almost ready to work independently in the hangar.