TenneT Addresses Shortage of Engineers with Training Program

Maaike, who is involved with Large Projects in the Netherlands, initiated this program to address the need for engineers specialized in energy technology. The program trains new graduates directly from school in high-voltage technology and all related aspects at TenneT. Bas Barten, a trainer and advisor at GITP, supports the juniors throughout the two years, focusing on both technical expertise and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.

Attention to Technical Expertise and Soft Skills

Bas Barten, a trainer and advisor at GITP, guides the juniors through the two-year Junior Engineering Program. Bas explains, “When juniors start a new role, they encounter a lot of new challenges, not only technically but also in areas they haven’t dealt with before. They need to collaborate, communicate their ideas, persuade others, and prioritize their time effectively. Therefore, the program emphasizes both technical expertise and soft skills, enabling them to use their technical skills more effectively in practice.”

Maaike adds, “Over the two years, they also learn what it’s like to work at TenneT. They explore various disciplines to identify their strengths, what they enjoy doing, and what they don’t. The program’s broad structure allows juniors to apply what they’ve learned in practice and continue developing.”

It Begins with Insight

“Before starting the program, juniors undergo an extensive assessment, including online tests, an on-site interview with an assessment advisor, and a role-playing exercise,” says Bas. “The assessment advisor compiles a report from these three components, which forms a crucial foundation for the program.” The report outlines the juniors' strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and development opportunities, providing valuable points of reference for the entire program.

Bas adds, “I also discuss with the assessment advisor whether there are common themes in the profiles of the group. If certain themes recur among all participants, I pay extra attention to these in the training.”

The Role of the Mentor

Het programma bestaat uit leerblokken van één of twee dagen, verdeeld over twee jaar. Daarnaast hebben de juniors een aantal coachingmomenten met Bas én worden ze on-the-job begeleid door mentoren van TenneT. “Ook de mentoren hebben een trainingsdag gevolgd bij Bas. Hierin staan vragen centraal als: waar let je op als mentor? Hoe gaat het programma in zijn werk? Wat mag je van je junioren verwachten? Wat mogen zij van jou verwachten en hoe kun je jouw junior zo optimaal mogelijk begeleiden?”, licht Maaike toe. “Wat ik mooi vind, is dat ook de mentoren écht intensief betrokken zijn in het programma. Iedereen is bereid om tijd en energie te investeren in de ontwikkeling van de juniors”, vult Bas aan.

Group Cohesion

The second group of juniors is now in the program. The first group was very enthusiastic and positive, not just about the content but also the structure and the freedom they were given. Maaike explains, “We really give them the space to grow and develop. Even if they conclude that an engineering role isn't right for them, we work together to find a better fit within TenneT.”

Maaike highlights the unique benefit of group cohesion. “Previously, learning on the job was fragmented. Now, groups start together, providing mutual support. They work together and help each other advance.” Bas adds, “The program’s personal and extended nature fosters group connection, enhancing soft skill training and workplace collaboration.”

Managing expectations is crucial, especially beforehand. “With the previous group, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic, we encountered questions that we could have addressed in advance, like what an engineer's job really entails,” says Maaike. “With extensive experience, job titles make sense to you, but juniors might not have the same clarity. We improved this with the second group.”

Bas adds, “The positive feedback from participants stands out the most. When a participant tells me they've learned a lot from the program or gained more self-confidence, it makes all the time and energy invested worthwhile. It’s gratifying to see that our efforts as guides have paid off, turning one plus one into three.”