Robin - From graduate to work planner
I just completed my degree in Built Environment with a major in civil engineering at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. I did my traineeship and graduate placement at Noorderzijlvest. When I started my traineeship, I didn't really know what a water authority does. Now I do. Noorderzijlvest regulates the water level with pumping stations and locks, treats wastewater, maintains dykes, and manages nature in and around the water.
‘There are many possibilities at the water authority'
Good start
At the start of my traineeship, I was given the opportunity to get to know my colleagues, their roles, and the tasks for which the water authority 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 authority. For example, I wrote an internal memo for carrying out maintenance dredging work. I also analysed and decomposed 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 studied 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 has been completed, the old pumping station will be reused 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, brons motors, and jacks are of extremely good quality and can last for decades. There is already interest in this. But iron and concrete can also be given a new lease of life. Sometimes as a unit 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 on a platform for reuse.
At work
The water authority is a great organisation with lots of opportunities. I now have a temporary job at Noorderzijlvest. I am a work planner. This is a key technical role. I make sure projects are prepared properly and that implementation runs smoothly.
Will it be water-management work for you too?
We work together to get the water balance just right. But we think a good work-life balance is just as important! When you work for us, you can combine meaningful work with job satisfaction and great terms of employment.
