JET-NET IS GOLD

JET-NET
JET-NET IS GOLD
IS GOLD
JET-NET IS GOLD
JET-NET IS GOLD
JET-NET
IS GOLD
4
8
Bernard Wientjes
12
Cont
JET-NET IS GOLD
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Jeroen van der Veer
Leonie Titulaer
Jos van Dalfsen
Foreword HRH Prince Friso of Orange
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10
16
24
Gerard Kleisterlee
Stan Poppe
20
Alexander Rinnooy Kan
Elphi Nelissen
ents
Ibtissam Chidi
18
22
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HRH Prince Friso of
Orange
Foreword
Will future generations in the Netherlands enjoy a higher standard of living
than their parents? This seems far from certain. In my opinion only
substantial innovation can help us deal with the consequences of globalisation, ageing
population, climate change and population growth, to name but a few factors. A decline in the
standard of living in the western countries can only be prevented by investing in innovation.
Competitive strength
It is an understatement to say that not everybody is convinced of this. The importance and
potential of innovation are still not recognised fully. The fact is that investments in research and
development are falling. Compared to other countries Dutch businesses do not invest enough in
innovation. This will inevitably lead to a decline in the Netherlands’ competitive strength. For
years now, the dwindling interest in innovation has matched the far too low level of interest in
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JET-NET IS GOLD
The 21st century
will be the
century
of the
science
student!
science and technology education. The good news is that in recent years the tide has turned.
The number of students from general secondary education and pre-university education that
choose a science curriculum is rising; and an education in science and technology seems to
gain in popularity as well.
Initiatives with a future
Initiatives from The National Platform Science and Technology, and the Jet-Net initiative in
particular, have contributed to this positive development. The creative way in which Jet-Net
matches schools, students and businesses has resulted in a growing interest in technology
among students. It is gratifying that The National Platform Science and Technology increases
awareness of the crucial role that science education plays in taking full advantage of the
opportunities that the 21st century will bring in many areas; from ICT to health care, from
biotechnology to energy.
It pleases me just as much that Jet-Net manages to mobilise companies to invest in education.
In doing so, they demonstrate an understanding of the importance of creating economical
opportunities for young people. They also show corporate responsibility by contributing to
the strengthening of the competitive position of the Netherlands in an ever flatter and faster
innovating world, to borrow a Thomas Friedman term.
The century of the science student
I hope that the Jet-Net programme will also persuade organisations to aim for maximising
the use of engineering knowledge and skills. Far too many young people with a technical
education end up having non-technical jobs, myself included. I consider deploying astronomers
as diplomats, or nuclear experts as bankers forms of missed opportunities, if not destruction
of capital. All the same, young people with a science or technical background really offer
considerable added value and are needed in other fields as well. I would like to wish Jet-Net
great success. I am convinced that it will pay off, in particular for the young people choosing
technology, because the 21st century will be the century of the science student!
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President of the Confederation
of Netherlands Industry and
Employers VNO-NCW
Bernard Wientjes
Everybody knows that innovation is important to prosperity and welfare
in the Netherlands. For good reason, innovation is an important part of the
Europe 2020 strategy of the European Commission; and recently the OECD (Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development) published a thorough innovation strategy. ‘If we go
back to the basics, innovation is all about people’, says Bernard Wientjes. ‘Human curiosity,
the urge to accomplish something new, to push back frontiers, that is in fact the cork on which
innovation floats.’
Scientists and engineers are crucial
Scientists and engineers have a special role in the innovative process. Wientjes: ‘We really like
to talk about social innovation, and of course that is important, but few people realise that this
kind of innovation would not get off the ground without technology. Take ASML for instance.
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I find it especially
encouraging
that in a
relatively
short
period
of time,
girls have
definitely
been
catching
up.
This beautiful company determines for a large part the power and speed of developments in
ICT that are key to all kinds of new services and products. Everyone who claims that we can do
without technology, understands little of the driving forces behind innovation. It goes without
saying that you do not have to explain this to entrepreneurs. They emphasise on a regular basis
that a shortage of science engineers is imminent. Entrepreneurs are aware that knowledge
workers play a crucial role in their innovation process.’
Shoulder to the wheel
What Wientjes finds special about Jet-Net is that the entrepreneurs themselves put their
shoulders to the wheel. Through Jet-Net both employers and their employees are actually
in the classrooms explaining in different ways why it is so interesting to study technology.
‘Technology is something that will deeply affect you once you see and experience it’, the VNONCW chairman knows. He is, therefore, glad that this approach is actually beginning to bear
fruit. ‘I find it especially encouraging that in a relatively short period of time girls have definitely
been catching up: in 2002 40% chose a science and technology curriculum, in 2010 this has
risen to almost 50% of the girls attending general secondary or pre-university education. And
it is interesting for students to know: from the studies with the best labour market outlook until
2014, 4 out of 10 studies are technical studies. In short: the trend is good.’
Talent
Everybody knows how extremely fast developments in countries such as China and India
progress. The Netherlands will never be able to compete with such numbers. Wientjes: ‘What
we can do, is make sure that we make the most of the talent available in our country. We are
working hard on that. I find it very positive, for instance, that the Netherlands created specific
crisis arrangements to prevent knowledge workers from being laid off. In doing this we set
the example internationally. And it has been very important because of the message it sent to
science engineers. Like I said: without knowledge workers, there is no innovation. And that is
Jet-Net’s importance in a nutshell. I watch with pride, therefore, how the list of companies that
join Jet-Net keeps on growing. As VNO-NCW we support this initiative wholeheartedly and we
hope that even more companies will join Jet-Net.
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Jet-Net project manager
for Wetsus
Jos van Dalfsen
If one conclusion can be drawn from the story of Jos van Dalfsen, Jet-Net
project manager for Wetsus in Leeuwarden, it is that Jet Net works! According
to Van Dalfsen it is obvious why companies should join Jet-Net. As far as employees are
concerned: moving outside their immediate field of expertise and communicating with an
unfamiliar audience is very instructive. It forces them to think very carefully about what
they are working on at their company. Apart from that, they have to substantiate or learn to
substantiate why they find their jobs so fascinating. The project manager: ‘It is in the interest
of any company to bring young people into their businesses. By doing this you get an clearer
picture of how young people see your company and what picture they have of it. In this way you
can adjust the perception by both parties. It must be clear to young people that as an employee
in a technical company they will have all kinds of options. So if you show them, as a company,
what they can achieve with a science education, you really help them getting started.
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It is in the
interest of any
company
to bring
young
people
into their
businesses.
Companies only experience the enrichment that Jet-Net brings, when they are actually taking
part, Van Dalfsen knows from his own experience. And once they take part, the companies’
employees are very enthusiastic about it. Teachers also begin to appreciate the initiatives
once they really start participating. The teachers then discover that Jet-Net is not just about
investing, but also about getting a lot in return. Project manager Van Dalfsen likes to invite
potential companies to visit an event in order to show them what Jet-Net is and does. ‘That
is what Jet-Net is about: it creates awareness of the career prospects and the challenging
activities Jet-Net companies have to offer. This is certainly also true for small to medium-sized
enterprises. When you start your career as a young employee in a small to medium enterprise,
the opportunities to improve yourself are often better than in a large organisation. You get more
room to grow.’
Translation
A great example is the translation of science to the level of knowledge of secondary school
students. Van Dalfsen: ‘Students often want to know how the research that is conducted at
Wetsus can be applied. That is the reason why I show them projects that can be easily translated
to our everyday world. Projects with energy, drinking-water or re-using the water in your own
home. In this way the students can see for themselves what the purpose of water technology is.
We try to persuade teachers to use some of the practical experience gained at Wetsus in their
lessons. We also focus on job opportunities in the water industry. The scope is very wide: from
water companies to beer brewer. Usually, young people are not aware of that.’
In actual practice
Van Dalfsen beams with pride when he tells the story of three pupils writing a final research
project. The theme was desalination and Wetsus was the place to go to for information. Before
starting on this project, the first student wanted to study technical business management,
the second one medicine and the third one law. However, the curriculum project was such
a success - partly thanks to the collaboration with Wetsus - that they came second in a
competition. As a result, the students became even more enthusiastic than they had been
when they were working on the project. The outcome: the first student still wants to study
technical business management, the second one went on to study process technology and
the last one chose microbiology. So, two of the students changed their initial choice of study
through a combination of first hand experience, providing good coaching and the competition.
Van Dalfsen, ‘That is the effect you want to achieve with Jet-Net. You can really accomplish
something by showing the students what their possibilities are, by enthusing them and by
making the connection with the world of business.’
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Teacher at Porta
Mosana College
Leonie Titulaer
Leonie Titulaer, chemistry teacher at Porta Mosana College in Maastricht is a
teacher every school would wish for: she is enthusiastic, with a doctorate
in her field, has an open mind and looks beyond the school walls. It was, therefore, a logical
step to start organising excursions when she became a teacher. For practical reasons Titulaer
contacted DSM. Wim Buijs became her contact person. ‘In the south, he is the Jet-Net man. He
has set up a substantial network with many schools in the south of Limburg. The meetings with
colleagues from other schools and people from DSM were very useful for all parties involved.
Cooperation in practice
Porta Mosana has two contacts at DSM. Buijs looks after Jet Net policy within DSM and sees to
it that the activities are approved. DSM coordinator Ankie Kreuwels organises the excursions.
Titulaer also invites non-science colleagues to come along: they provide meaningful feedback.
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The meetings
with colleagues
from other
schools
and people
from DSM
were very
enriching
for all
parties
involved.
‘In the end, it is in DSM’s interest to recruit more people. Therefore, it is important that the
students meet many different employees, from operators to managers. So, as a teacher you
work with DSM to create a meaningful mix. After all, the teachers know best what fits well with
their lessons. Once a year, DSM, teachers and school management organise a meeting to make
sure that the schools’ projects are guaranteed.’
Science Lab
Porta Mosana’s teachers and staff are hard at work creating a Science Lab. This is made
possible by the Science Classroom Regulation of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and
Science The chemistry, physics and biology teachers, together with the school technicians,
draw up an education plan that has to fit the curriculum. The project is developed bottom-up
with teachers who actually teach and know what is feasible. Titulaer: ‘Jet-Net fits in nicely.
The Science Lab will be an actual science wing and it is nice to notice that this project has a
positive influence on the rest of our school. Now, school management wants a gamma square
and a language square as well. These kinds of things, finding connections with actual practice,
make education fun. That is why I am so enthusiastic about Jet-Net.’
Jet-Net enriches
Titulaer considers Jet-Net to be an enrichment of her being a teacher. ‘You get the opportunity
to add extras to your lessons and the external contacts are especially rewarding. I suspect that
our regional teachers’ network with DSM is fairly unique. It works marvellously because it is
managed well by DSM. We now also have contacts with a training college in Aachen. We have
practicals in our school that originate from the Wageningen University and the University of
Leiden.’ Apart from that, Titulaer considers the informal setting as very pleasant. ‘Jet-Net offers
extra opportunities to do interesting things. Events like Meet the Boss go beyond the science
subjects. Jet-Net has a very positive effect on other subject fields! It is positive for the students
and the business world profits as well.’
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chairman
National Platform Science
and Technology
Jeroen van der Veer,
When Jet-Net was conceived, Jeroen van der Veer, CEO of Shell, was
there. Currently, he is chairman of The National Platform Science and
Technology and talks passionately about the win/win situation that Jet-Net creates. Van der
Veer: ‘It is a win situation for the companies that participate. They improve their reputation,
increasing acceptance in society. Moreover, they come into closer contact with young people who
are educated in technology and science, which is also of importance. But Jet-Net also provides a
win situation for young people planning to study science and technology. They get a good picture
of what they will be able to do once they have finished their science or technology education.
Multidisciplinary
Van der Veer advocates that technology students also learn about subjects outside their own
field. ‘An engineer who is good at his job, will also consider the economic benefits and social
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My vision is:
provide good,
high quality
vocational
education,
and
generate
interest
in the
context.
impact of his propositions. My vision is: provide good, high quality vocational education,
generating interest in the context. Your own field is always connected to a complex of other
disciplines. Besides, the number of activities you can perform all on your own is very limited in
our society. So, you also need to be a good team player. Therefore, education needs to focus on
cooperation as well. In order to get that picture clear, the business world is essential.’
Campus ambassadors
At the time, Shell appointed the best young engineers “campus ambassadors”. They visited the
schools. ‘It was kind of an honour’, Van der Veer states. ‘They were invited to attract positive
attention to science and technology. This method works very well. In this way, these young
people earned a great deal of respect in the company. Every year I invited them all together.
Consider it an in-house motivation course. Most people will very proud when they can represent
their company.’ These experiences can also be used well in small to medium-sized enterprises.
Van der Veer: Small to medium-sized enterprises often employ only a small number of people
with a higher professional education and a few engineers. They, in effect, carry that company;
they make the difference. Choose the youngest from among them and appoint him or her Jet
Net ambassador. Small to medium-sized enterprises can play a pivotal role, especially because
of their regional function. They must realise that they have a direct interest in opening their
doors to students who are interested in science and technology.’
The Future
Van der Veer expects that in the near future many more young people will study technology
and science. Young people are aware of the opportunities regarding their chances of finding
interesting jobs as well as international prospects. Van der Veer: ‘The job opportunities are
simply better. But, businesses have to be willing to show what opportunities a science or
technology education offers. It is not enough to present a simple guest lesson or to invite a
group of students once. Investment is what it is all about: a fruitful interaction between schools
and companies. Allow students to gain an understanding of what certain professions entail.
Only then is Jet-Net rightfully the cornerstone of Platform Bèta Techniek’s house.’
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Hofstad Lyceum student
Ibtissam Chidi
Ibtissam Chidi is 18 years old and is in her final year of grammar school.
She takes the Science and Health profile which includes physics,
mathematics, chemistry and biology. As a little girl Ibtissam already knew she wanted to work
in healthcare in order to help people. When the placement exam at the end of primary school
showed that she should attend pre-university education, medicine came into the picture.
Curious
‘I am curious’, the spontaneous student describes herself. Subjects like physics and
mathematics are not always easy, but I am very proud of myself when I finally understand how
it works. I find biology fascinating; because of my interest in medicine I really want to know all
there is to know about it.’ But this student is just as interested in languages. ‘English is one
of my best subjects.’
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What Ibtissam
especially likes
about the
science
profiles is
that they
have a
wide scope.
You can
go in any
direction.
What Ibtissam especially likes about the science profiles is that they have a wide scope.
‘You can go in any direction. That is why I always advise students who are still not sure, to
chose the Science & Health or Science & Technology profile. Take for example a good friend
of mine who chose the Science & Health profile. At first, she wanted to study medicine but
now she is considering forensics. The good thing is that her current curriculum gives access
to that study as well.’
A new look
Shell is the Jet-Net company that is connected to the Hofstad Lyceum. Every year there are
activities that create a lot of enthusiasm among the students. Ibtissam speaks lively about
the visits from various employees from the world of business, who all finished a science
education and have ended up in a variety of jobs. Ibtissam: ‘What I noticed was that they
were all very happy about their science education. They stimulated us to choose a profile
where the science subjects play a mayor part. It came as a big surprise to many of us that
is was possible to combine working in the business world with having a job that demands
extensive knowledge of science. For me as well. I did not know that there were people with
a science education in the business world. That was a real eye opener to me. What I also
like, is that for our projects, we can call upon some of our school’s teachers for assistance,
who also have experience in the business world.’
The future
According to Ibtissam it crucial that companies explain very clearly to the students that
there are jobs for their generation. She emphasises: ‘Companies need to pay much more
attention to us: secondary schools students. Because if we are not doing well, we will never
make it to university or college. You have to make clear to every child that there are various
possibilities. Schools should open their doors more to guest lessons, as is done right now
as part of the Jet-Net projects. It is very helpful for us to find out what is going on in the
world of business. However, what is most important for every individual student is, in my
opinion: do not doubt yourself, of course you can take on a Science & Health or Science &
Technology profile. I myself am living proof of that.’
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managing director
of the engineering firm
Nelissen ingenieursbureau b.v.
Elphi Nelissen
‘Being an entrepreneur means first and foremost selling a product that
generates a profit’, is a statement Elphi Nelissen likes to make. ‘Otherwise
your business will not last. I am grateful that I can do meaningful work and at the same time give
something back to society. In my opinion, it is important for employers to offer their employees
enjoyable and meaningful work.’ Intrinsic entrepreneurship is challenging in itself. Nelissen: ‘The
challenge is to keep coming up with new and better ideas to raise your product to a higher level.
Plus, satisfied customers bring extra satisfaction. Because, in the end, you are building for people.’
Boys and girls
Nelissen knows very well that it is of great importance for the Netherlands to get more students
to choose technology. This is one of the reasons why this enthusiastic managing director gladly
does her part as a woman and as a role model. She immediately said ‘yes’ when asked to
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participate in Jet-Net to steer more young people towards technology and science studies.
‘We are really missing out on a lot of potential, certainly among girls, but among boys as well.
We shall have to improve our image and as far as girls are concerned: their qualities are equal
to those of the boys.’ Compared to other countries, the Dutch have a completely different
conception of engineers. ‘In other countries engineers are very much looked up to’, Nelissen
knows. ‘This is logical, really, because the majority of people who are active in technology, are
inventing smart and innovative things. In our field, you have to be both innovative and creative.’
Engineering firm
‘The attraction of working for an engineering firm is that you get into contact with many
different kinds of people. Another bonus is the speed with which your recommendations are
put into practice. To see the results of your work, sometimes even after only a few months, is
very satisfying. ‘The work is concrete and tangible’, according to a passionate Nelissen. ‘There
are professions you do not need to be envious of. As far as that goes, I am in a very comfortable
position. My job is fascinating every day and what is more, I can mostly work independently.’
Advice
We really
miss out
on a lot of
potential,
certainly
among
girls, but
among
boys as
well.
Elphi Nelissen has some urgent advice for schools and businesses: allow students to come
into contact with science & technology fields and studies much earlier on. Show them how
great your profession is and what it means to society. Students really think about these kinds
of things. Emphasise that after finishing a science or technology education, they still have
the opportunity to become an entrepreneur. Nelissen feels it is essential for secondary school
students to come into contact with the business world. ‘When they do, the students are
stimulated when working on a project. All of a sudden, they find it much more interesting. And
as it turns out, many teachers are more enthusiastic as well. So it works both ways.’
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chairman of The Social
and Economic Council of
the Netherlands (SER)
Alexander Rinnooy Kan
‘I have enjoyed being an advocate of Jet-Net for years. It is encouraging that
actual progress is being made now.’ These are the first words from Alexander
Rinnooy Kan’s interview ‘At present, more students choose a science curriculum, although we
would like their number to go up further still. I have the impression that young people still
do not have a good understanding of what they are missing out on when they do not use their
talent for science. Apart from that, the number of companies that join Jet-Net will have to grow
considerably.’
The world of business
An interesting aspect of the technological job market is that it is a truly international one as
a result of the nature of the subject fields. Companies need to realise that science talents
can choose where they want to work. That is why Rinnooy Kan believes that Dutch companies
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need to understand the importance of a favourable educational and research climate in the
Netherlands in their field. Rinnooy Kan is convinced that it is easer for companies to excel if
they are in an environment where they are appreciated for what they do. ‘So make sure that
people are more or less familiar with what companies do. Create an infrastructure that is
populated with people who are experts in the fields that are relevant to our businesses. These
preconditions can be realised more easily as the disciplines that are essential to businesses are
better represented in our educational and research system. It all starts with appealing to young
people, who are still unsure about what they want to become, by showing them the beautiful
and attractive aspects of science studies and technology. Present the successes your company
achieved convincingly.’
Present the
successes
your
company
achieved
convincingly.
Quality ambitions
As far as the future is concerned, Rinnooy Kan feels that we have to pay special attention to
our ambitions regarding the quality of our educational system - and this is not restricted to
science and technology only. Our quality ambitions will have to be up to standard as far as our
position in relation to our direct competitors is concerned. ‘We really have some catching up to
do. We need more differentiation within the educational system and recognition of the talents
among young people in the Netherlands. We need to better identify their excellence. We need
to cherish them, give them extra guidance and send them into the world. All matters that seem
obvious, but we have not put sufficient effort into it yet. Apart from that, there will have to be a
stronger interaction with our business world. They have a direct interest in good contacts with
schools. The business world has to clearly identify that interest and defend it forcefully. After
all, we live in a world where we benefit hugely from the progress that is made in countries like
China and India. I would like to shift some of that progress to the Netherlands as well. That is
why Jet-Net is a blessing.’
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sixth form team leader and
science coordinator havo/
vwo at GSg Schagen
Stan Poppe
Teachers and management of GSg Schagen secondary school are clearly
looking towards the future. Stan Poppe: ‘We came into contact with JetNet because we were interested in educational developments, especially with regard to the
new science subjects. Hans Nooij, Jet-Net coordinator for Tata Steel (former Corus) keeps
a close watch on schools. Inspired by what we were doing, he contacted us. It is very nice
to find that the business world is actively following the developments in science education.’
Science festival
Partly thanks to Jet-Net, there are many activities for GSg Schagen’s first and second year
pupils that are aimed at their choice for a subject profile. ‘It was a conscious decision to start
early, in the first two years, with bringing the pupils into contact with the science subjects in
a positive way’, the enthusiastic science coordinator explains. We have created the Science
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Organising
guest lessons
results in
interested
pupils
throughout
the school.
Festival in cooperation with Tata, the steel giant from IJmuiden. During the festival, employees
of the steel company visit our school. They give workshops for the pupils, for instance: building
gliders and sail wagons. We organise these kinds of activities with other Jet-Net companies as
well, by the way. The reason why we do this, is evident. Most pupils have already made their
choice long before the moment they actually have to commit to a profile. In the third year, you
are too late. You have to make sure that in their first year, the pupils have positive experiences
with science subjects; but you should do it in such a way that they get a realistic picture.’
Added value of guest lessons
The added value of Jet-Net companies for schools is that employees from actual practice can
serve as a role model. Pupils do not necessarily make the connection between the people and
the work they do for their employers. GSg Schagen also receives visits from Tata Steel trainers.
They teach a lesson that is used in the steel company to enable employees to identify possible
problems in a production line. ‘Actual practice’, Poppe knows. The added value consist of
the professional content. The pupils find the guest lessons very motivating. Regular exam
subjects, such as techniques for chemical analyses, become much more appealing when
tackled in a guest lesson. At the same time, the pupils get a clearer picture of what it is that a
highly educated science professional does in the business world. Summarizing: when schools
organise guest lessons, this results in subject reform, more appealing classes and interested
pupils throughout the school. As far as school management is concerned Jet-Net has a definite
added value. Poppe: ‘It puts flesh on the objective to realise a higher inflow and outflow in the
science curriculum. At the same time it offers a platform for educational reform, partly because
of the contacts with companies.’
Techno Challenge
Tata Steel has a lot to offer. Poppe beams: ‘Of which the Techno Challenge is a great example.
Techno Challenge is cool technology for pupils, like for instance, driving with racing cars on
the Zandvoort race track. As part of the Techno Challenge, secondary school pupils receive a
teaching package containing a small car that is powered by hydrogen and has a fuel cell. Their
assignment is to design a lesson they can teach to primary school pupils. This lesson is taught
at the race track. This greatly inspires both groups.’
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CEO of Philips
Gerard Kleisterlee
From the very beginning, Gerard Kleisterlee and Philips were very closely
associated with Jet-Net. ‘We have realised what we had in mind from the
start: a higher inflow and (qualified) outflow of students with a science education. This does not
mean, however, that we can sit back and put our feet up. A company like Philips has to deal
with worldwide competition. We can only cope with this competition if we have sufficient highlyeducated people in the Netherlands. That is why the Jet-Net project is so important. Important for
the people themselves because they are basically guaranteed the prospect of a beautiful career
with challenging work. Important for the Netherlands because we have to be at the forefront of
innovation and knowledge development, in order to add extra value to our products and services.
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Europe 2020
I heartily
recommend
other
businesses
to join
Jet-Net
as well.
What is so fascinating about today’s world is the speed at which technological innovations are
put into effect. In that respect, 2020 may seem far away. However, nothing is further from
the truth, according to Kleisterlee. ‘Precisely because developments move so fast, we have to
keep our finger on the pulse. That requires a clear view of where Dutch opportunities lie and
what this means for the young people we will educate in the years to come. Worldwide, we face
the need to solve great problems such as the ageing population and shortages of energy and
raw materials. Scientists and engineers are the ones that will help us find solutions to these
problems. So we have to rely on technology to keep up everybody’s prosperity and wellbeing
worldwide, and enable it to grow.
Cultural change
Jet-Net is meant for all those companies that value having more well educated, talented
people with an education in technology or science to choose from. Kleisterlee: ‘It is not just
multinationals, but also the small and medium-sized enterprises that are helped tremendously
when they have technically educated young men and women at their disposal, who can turn
innovation into a business. Luckily, there are ever more secondary school pupils who choose
a science profile. But that is not enough. Small and medium enterprises should show more
clearly the interesting things students can do with such an education in the future. These
companies have to throw open their gates.’
Cooperation
Philips has had very positive experiences with regard to the cooperation between schools and
the company. Kleisterlee considers this cooperation to be the most important proof of that JetNet’s great added value to the business world and secondary education. ‘Actually, we only hear
positive stories from students and teachers about the contacts with our company. People are
really touched when they see what is happening in our company. This stimulates us to continue
working with Jet-Net. I heartily recommend other businesses to join Jet-Net as well.’
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COLOPHON
Text
Sijmen van Wijk, Exempel Communicatie, Amsterdam
Translation
Monique van Brandenburg, Brandenburg Text & Translation, Arnhem
Design
Optima Forma bv, Voorburg
Printing
Opmeer Drukkerij bv, The Hague
Photography
HRH Prince Friso of Orange – Vincent Mentzel
Bernard Wientjes – VNO-NCW
Alexander Rinnooy Kan – Christiaan Krouwels
Gerard Kleisterlee – Philips Communications
Jet-Net representative
Sebastiaan Smit
April 2011
Publication copyright
Platform Bèta Techniek. No part of this publication may be copied and/or
reproduced without the written permission of the Platform Bèta Techniek.
26
JET-NET IS GOLD
Jet-Net – P.O. Box 556 – 2501 CN – The Hague – 070 31 19 720 – [email protected] – www.jet-net.nl