Port School VTI Zeebrugge has delivered its first two graduates of the unique ‘polyvalent technician port vehicles’ course. From the combination of theoretical education with practical experience, P&O Ferries also achieved a truly international first.
For several years now, the Vrij Technisch Instituut (VTI) Zeebrugge has been increasingly profiling itself as Flanders’ first port school. The existing offer for truck driver, among others, was gradually supplemented with often unique training courses, such as polyvalent technician port vehicles, driver internal transport means and assistant (inter)national goods transport.
Recently, Havenschool VTI Zeebrugge delivered the first two graduates of the polyvalent technician training course for port vehicles. “Yoshi Dewitte and Emiel Van Middelem are the pioneers who were the first to successfully complete this dual course,” says director Joke Knockaert. “This course, which combines theoretical education with three days a week of practical experience, has proven to be a valuable asset to the industry.”
European innovation
Yoshi Dewitte joined P&O Ferries with mentor technical supervisor Mike Devestel. “Yoshi demonstrated exceptional skill and insight, with a great ability to think proactively and help solve complex technical problems,” says Devestel. “He not only mastered the various maintenance aspects of different port vehicles such as tugmasters and reachstackers, but also made a valuable contribution to improving operational efficiency.”
“Yoshi developed a template to detect wear on the fifth wheel of port vehicles faster. This innovative system is now used as standard in P&O Ferries’ European divisions,” Devestel continued. Yoshi Dewitte received a job offer from P&O Ferries and will start his professional career there this summer.
Advanced solutions
Second graduate Emiel Van Middelem completed his practical training at CLdN Tech under the guidance of mentor Jochen Verheecke. “Emiel was able to detect technical errors faster than some experienced technicians, indicating that the training provides not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are invaluable,” says Verheecke. “Emiel’s ability to solve advanced technical problems quickly highlights the quality and practical value of this training. That deserves a very big compliment, a big congratulations from the jury.” Emiel Van Middelem was also offered a job at his apprenticeship but prefers to start his career at truck garage Miles in Bruges.
Job offers
“The need for practically specialised profiles such as polyvalent technician port vehicles is great, especially in a dynamic and growing port like Zeebrugge,” says Joke Knockaert. “The concrete job offers for our first graduates prove that this unique training leads to excellent career prospects. In addition, students already receive a monthly learning allowance during their dual course.”
This dual programme is open to students with a basic TSO or DA automotive engineering degree or a seventh-year BSO Auto Electricity.
More info can be found here.
