Robin - From graduate to work planner
I just finished my Built Environment degree with a major in civil engineering at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. I did my internship and graduation research at Noorderzijlvest. When I started my internship, I didn't really know what a water board does. Now I do. Noorderzijlvest regulates the water level using pumping stations and locks, purifies wastewater, maintains dikes, and manages nature in and around the water.
‘There are many opportunities at the water board’
Good start
At the start of my internship, I was given the opportunity to get to know my colleagues, their roles, and the tasks for which the water board is responsible. I spoke to as many colleagues as possible and was then able to take on some interesting work. There are many opportunities at the water board. For example, I wrote an internal memo for carrying out maintenance dredging work. And I made an analysis and decomposition of all the bridges that are managed and maintained by Noorderzijlvest.
‘My research was quite a challenge’
Second chance for H.D. Louwes pumping station?
For my graduation project, I investigated the possibilities for reusing elements and materials from the H.D. Louwes pumping station. A new pumping station will soon be built in Zoutkamp. Once that pumping station is completed, the old one will be repurposed or demolished.
My research was quite a challenge, because H.D. Louwes was never designed for reuse. Many parts are custom-made and have a specific application. Nevertheless, reuse is possible. The gearboxes, bronze motors, and screws are of very good quality and can last for decades. There is already interest in this. But iron and concrete can also be given a second life. Sometimes as a whole and sometimes you can recover raw materials through recycling. For example, iron can be remelted and usable components can be extracted from concrete, such as sand, gravel, and cement. The materials or elements can then be traded again through the concrete chain or via a platform for reuse.
At work
The water board is a great organization with lots of opportunities. I now have a temporary job at Noorderzijlvest. I am a work planner. This is a key technical role. I ensure that projects are well prepared and that implementation runs smoothly.
Will you choose water work too?
We work together to achieve the right water balance. But we believe that a good work-life balance is just as important!Withus, you can combine meaningful work with job satisfaction and good employment conditions.
