Meet Sanne
From a young age, Sanne has been fascinated by how things work. This curiosity led her to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at a higher vocational education institution in Leeuwarden (NL). After graduating, she moved to Zeewolde, determined to find a job where she could apply her knowledge and continue developing herself. Through her scouting network, she heard about Alfen and decided to apply.
Sanne started at Alfen as an electrical design engineer, working on a large project at the end of 2022. After completing it, she felt the need for a new challenge. Thanks to her technical expertise and social skills, Alfen offered her the opportunity to become a practical trainer at the Alfen Academy, where she currently mentors apprentice electricians during their work-study program.
"I gain a lot of energy from motivating students and see it as my role to help them grow step by step," she says.
What does a typical day at work look like for Sanne?
No two days are the same at the Alfen Academy, the company’s training school, founded in 2008. On Wednesdays, Sanne teaches theoretical lessons to about six mechatronics apprentices with guest lectures on Wednesdays and Thursdays. She believes that personal guidance and the direct link between learning and doing are what make the training program so strong.
"The variety and those 'aha' moments make my work so rewarding," she shares.
What makes the Alfen Academy special?
Alfen’s work-study program stands out due to its focus on practical, hands-on learning. The students not only work on the same mechatronic installations but also rotate through various product lines, allowing them to develop a broad range of skills, from building transformer substations to reading electrical engineering drawings. The personal guidance and emphasis on technical learning and peer-to-peer learning make the program unique.
"With us, you don’t just learn for one product group; you’re trained to be versatile," Sanne explains.
Practical learning as the key to success
Sanne views practical learning as essential. "Learning is a combination of theory and practice,” she says. This principle forms the core of the Alfen Academy’s vision, which continues to innovate. At the moment, Sanne is working on new lessons about pneumatics and using software to create electrical installation diagrams. "At Alfen, you constantly learn from and with each other, and that makes this work so dynamic."
Being a woman in the tech industry
As a woman in the technical sector, Sanne recognizes the importance of diversity. “During my internship, I was one of the few women, which could be challenging. At Alfen, the balance is much better, especially in production.” Alfen actively promotes women in tech and inspires young people through school programs and guest lectures.
With her enthusiasm and dedication, Sanne is not only building innovative technical solutions but also contributing to the development of the next generation of technicians. "The best part of my job? The energy I get from my students and the gratitude they give back."
Feeling inspired? Take the first step towards your future in electrical engineering today! Apply for our work-study programme, which starts every February and September, and begin your career full of opportunities at Alfen.
For more information: https://alfen.com/careers/alfen-academy