The challenge
The technical installation sector faces a major challenge: high turnover among starters. Half of all new entrants leave the industry within two years. Key reasons include poor work-life balance, limited development opportunities, and dissatisfaction with leadership. At the same time, rapid technological innovation in the sector demands up-to-date knowledge and well-developed soft skills. Without action, valuable talent will be lost, and both innovation and the energy transition will be at risk. The challenge is keeping new employees engaged, motivated, and supported so their career prospects and employability remain strong.
The solution
To reduce early turnover, Wij Techniek and Harborn developed Vaksterk: an innovative digital platform that empowers starters and lateral entrants to strengthen both their craftsmanship and soft skills.
With Vaksterk, users take charge of their own growth, staying motivated and engaged at work. The platform was designed with the diversity of the sector in mind, offering multiple layers: a mobile app for the 70% field staff and a web-based version for the 30% office staff. Vaksterk provides not just learning modules but also news, videos, podcasts, and assessments. Users can track progress, earn points, and receive personalized recommendations based on their learning and career needs. By leveraging smart data, content relevance and user engagement are continuously improved—making learning more effective and attractive.
