The reorientation of VTI Zeebrugge towards a true port school is proving to be a good choice. In the new school year, the logistics courses and drivers’ classes are well filled, while the classical technical directions are in decline.
After one and a half years of preparation in close cooperation with the port companies, the Vrij Technisch Instituut (VTI) Zeebrugge received approval in April for four new port-oriented and logistics courses. This allowed the secondary school to resolutely reorient itself as the first port school in Flanders.
“At the start of the school year, enrolments in our Transport & Logistics pillar are hopeful to very good,” says director Joke Knockaert. “For example, in the Organisation & Logistics course we are full and are still looking for an extra teacher. In the driver training course, we have close to 60 students, where we are increasing the number of teaching vehicles from five to seven.”
Time needed
“In the completely new directions, we did not experience overcrowding, but we have a small number of enrolments so we can start. These include our first dual courses – where apprentices undergo intensive workplace learning with a company – for polyvalent technician port vehicles or operator of internal transport equipment. They were offered apprenticeships with big-name companies such as P&O Ferries, ICO, CLdN and ECS.”
Still, Knockaert and her colleagues have mixed feelings. “We had expected a bigger influx. All the people and companies we spoke to over the past year enthusiastically supported our decision to build on the first real port school. Apparently, more time is still needed to get that message across to young people and their parents.”
Defence & Security
In any case, the appeal of transport and logistics courses is positive. This is a boost in the face of the decline in the ‘classic’ technical fields still offered by VTI Zeebrugge. “It is possible that young people from the wider region prefer to choose a school in a city environment for this. Perhaps a number of prospective first-year students were also inhibited by the central digital application platform that has been compulsory for all schools in Bruges since this school year,” says Knockaert.
“This strengthens our confidence to build on a unique palette of port-oriented courses. Soon we will submit a dossier for a new Defence & Security pillar. We believe we can write a strong story in the port and prepare young people well for jobs in the security sector, rescue services, fire brigade or Navy. We also get good reactions from companies and other stakeholders in these fields. Together, we want to make ‘Made in Zeebrugge’ a strong brand name.”
