A lot can be done to enthuse the Dutch who would be less likely to opt for a job in technology or digitization on their own, she says. ‘First of all, we could embed digital skills in primary education,’ she argues. ‘It’s simple, but you also need to make sure the trainings are reinforced. More investment, program development and teacher training on this kind of knowledge.’
Furthermore, Adriaansens believes there should be a better match between what the labor market needs and what training programs offer. “These are not things that can be arranged overnight, but we have now put our signature underneath.”
To get a better match, you can drive people from companies to schools, thinks Adriaansens. ‘That way you show how cool it is to work with technology.
reassurance
Adriaansens was also present at the Catshuis meeting last week where the economic climate was discussed. She herself says that she trusts companies that simply stay in the Netherlands. ‘Talent is hugely important to this, and I’m not just talking about brilliant minds. Even on golden hands,” she says. ‘That’s our job and it’s also a job for employers to put more energy into this. This plan fits well with that.’
While there are no guarantees that companies like Boskalis will actually stay in the Netherlands, Adriaansens is determined to do a good job of meeting the preconditions. This includes well trained staff. (…). “We also need to ensure fewer rules, equal rules in Europe, innovation and investment in people and knowledge.”