July 11 was a vibrant afternoon in Drachten. This afternoon was all about young technical talents and their innovative ideas. In the SKILL building at Philips two beautiful moments came together: the Robofuture Poster Award for students (NHL Stenden) Of the Ad course in Industrial Automation & Robotics (IAR), as well as the graduation of nine working students who have successfully completed their training.
Robofuture Posteraward: smart solutions from practice
During the Robofuture Symposium, students from the module presented Robofuture their technical innovation proposals through a poster market. In doing so, they displayed solutions they came up with on the shop floor, supported by clear process descriptions and advice.
Then there was a vote among business mentors, teachers and fellow students so that the winner was chosen fairly. This year, the Sibbele Oosterhaven Innovation Award awarded to Tom Reinders (SPHERE)! He won with an innovative automation recommendation for packaging KOMO garbage bags in sets of three. The second prize was for Roan Kootstra (EKB Drachten) and the third prize for Elijah Landvreugd (Steady Engineering). Of course, the namesake himself presented the award: Sibbele Oosterhaven. He is a retired teacher and founder of the course.
Graduation party for nine working Ad IAR students
Later in the afternoon, nine students of the Ad program IAR were festively honored at their graduation ceremony. This group of nine students completed the entire two-year program.
With personal speeches, flowers, diplomas and even a symbolic gift - the smallest Allen wrench set available - the afternoon became a memorable moment for students, family, businesses and faculty.
The graduates leave with a valuable diploma, practical experience and a powerful network within the world of Industrial Automation and Robotics.
This afternoon shows once again the importance of hands-on education in cooperation with industry. Talent development, innovation and cooperation came together perfectly here.