The need for electrical engineers is growing so fast, spurred by the energy transition and lightning-fast technical evolution, that 15,000 new ones will be required in Belgium in the next five years, says sector organisation Volta.
However, “the situation in electrical engineering education is downright dramatic; those entering often lack even the basics,” Volta and the sector's social partners pointed out in a joint memorandum to the Ministers of Economy, Jo Brouns, and Education, Ben Weyts.
"We just want schools to teach the basics: how to use materials and machines, Ohm’s law or simply drilling a hole; and to fuel motivation," said Vera Desauw, co-director of an installation company.
"More and more of those coming in, have to be taught even basic skills through our academy," she said. "But as long as we feel their interest, we will work with them. Those who want to can learn and grow.”
The memorandum to the Flemish administrators includes six urgent demands, such as quality teaching materials in schools; qualitative collaboration between schools and companies; more practical electrical engineering teachers with the right skills; qualitative guidance of students at school and in the workplace; better filters for entry-level students with strong technical skills and soft skills, and more double-major students.
“Too much time has already been lost," commented Volta Director Peter Claeys. "We hope this memorandum can finally mark a tipping point among all parties involved. Because it is NOW time to change.”
