Apply now for the youth panel
Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is looking for 12 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who want to help shape the future of water. The choices we make today will have a major impact on future generations. That is why the water authority is actively involving young people in water-related projects in the region.
The issues that matter
Safe, sufficient, and clean water can no longer be taken for granted. Due to climate change, we are increasingly facing extreme downpours, droughts, and rising sea levels. To maintain our quality of life, we need to start thinking now about solutions for the future. How do we ensure that the dykes remain safe? How do we drain excess water and, conversely, retain more water during dry periods? How do we ensure clean water? We’ll be posing these questions to the young people participating in the panel.
You can apply at werven@noorderzijlvest.nl!
The Youth Panel
Since September 2024, the youth panel has been advising the water authority and the board with great success! For the 2026–2027 school year, there are openings for new young people to join the panel. Ideally, the youth panel will consist of 12 young people aged 16–24. The panel will be made up of young people from the region of various ages and backgrounds. We need doers and thinkers. We’d like to hear perspectives from the city and from rural areas. In terms of educational background, we want a good mix of society. We’re looking for motivated secondary-school students and students from vocational and university courses.
What will the youth panel do?
Dyke Reeve Roeland van der Schaaf says: “The Youth Panel gives a voice to the future. A few times a year, the Youth Panel provides advice to the water authority and our board. This advice concerns issues related to climate, water, and the quality of the living environment. We hope that young people will primarily consider the following perspective: Does the water authority take proper account of the consequences for the future? Young people certainly don’t need to have all the knowledge; we involve them in the topics and provide them with sufficient substantive information.”
What do young people get in return?
By participating, young people gain insight into water management and have a say in shaping the future. At the same time, they expand their network and gain experience in an administrative setting. The young people will be offered many inspiring workshops and will receive financial compensation. It is also a flexible position. As water authority, we understand that young people sometimes have to juggle many responsibilities at once. During these busy periods, young people may skip a single assignment in clear consultation.
Starting when?
Young people can apply until Friday 12 June 2026, and will be contacted in various ways to submit their applications. The introductory interviews will take place on Monday afternoon 15 June, and on Friday 19 June.