Starting summer 2026, it will expand Microcentre, knowledge and network organization for the high-tech and manufacturing industry, is expanding its presence with a physical training location in Drachten. This will provide an additional boost to the development of technical talent in the Northern Netherlands.
This new location was realized in collaboration with the ICD and Philips. The training sessions will take place in the SKILL building. This will thus further establish it as the high-tech development center of the Northern Netherlands.
Thanks to this collaboration, all companies and technical professionals in the Northern Netherlands will have easier access to practically oriented technical training. With this, Mikrocentrum and ICD are responding to the growing need for knowledge development, technological innovation, and talent retention within the regional industry. They are also fulfilling this new ecosystem function.
Technical knowledge closer to the region
For many companies in the Northern Netherlands, pursuing specialized technical training has often meant long travel times to locations like Veldhoven or Utrecht. With the new training facility in Drachten, high-quality technical education becomes more accessible, efficient, and reachable for professionals in the region. This allows them to invest in their development more quickly and frequently, without being absent from the workplace for extended periods.
According to Jeroen Gijsberts, Business Development Manager at Mikrocentrum, states that this step perfectly aligns with the needs of the region: “The technical sector in the Northern Netherlands possesses a great deal of knowledge, innovative power, and craftsmanship. With Mikrocentrum's broad range of training programs, we can further strengthen this solid foundation. Additionally, we can support professionals in the technological developments that will accelerate in the coming years.”
Learning together and sharing knowledge
In addition to offering technical training, the collaboration explicitly focuses on strengthening the regional network. By having professionals from different companies participate in training together, more opportunities arise for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the exchange of practical experience.
The SKILL building, which stands for Shared Knowledge Innovation Learning Lab, forms an inspiring environment for this. It is a modern learning, working, and meeting place where talent development, innovation, and collaboration are central. Here, engineers, technicians, and managers from the region meet around current technological themes and practical issues. This allows participants to learn not only from trainers but also from each other.
Collaboration strengthens the Northern Netherlands industry
ICD is a collaboration of high-quality technical and innovative companies in the Northern Netherlands. The network actively works to strengthen the competitive position of the regional high-tech sector and therefore invests heavily in talent development and technical training.
According to Joost Krebbekx, program manager at ICD, states that Mikrocentrum's offering aligns well with the needs of companies in the region: “The demand for technical talent and specialized knowledge continues to grow. With Mikrocentrum's broad and practice-oriented training programs, we are bringing valuable expertise to the Northern Netherlands. Furthermore, together we are strengthening the learning and innovation climate in the region. We therefore see the collaboration with Mikrocentrum as a launch for more!”
The collaboration between Mikrocentrum and ICD aims to help companies retain, engage, and develop employees, as well as achieve increasingly complex technological ambitions.
Connecting the technical sector in the North of the Netherlands
The opening of the new training facility in Drachten aligns with Mikrocentrum's broader ambition to strengthen connections between companies, knowledge institutions, and technical professionals in the Northern Netherlands. From the start, Mikrocentrum will offer three training courses: Machine learning for engineers, Technical Project Manager, and Coaching Leadership. Technical professionals can register directly for the courses, scheduled to begin this summer, via the Mikrocentrum website.
In addition to the course location, there will also be a regional tech event on June 2nd.
In addition to knowledge development, meetings, collaboration, and knowledge sharing also play an important role in strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem. From this perspective, Mikrocentrum will also organize the second edition of Tech Event Noord NL in Assen on June 2, 2026, for the provinces of Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Flevoland, and Overijssel. After a successful first edition in 2025, the event has grown into an important meeting platform where companies, education, government, and industry organizations come together around innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration within the technology sector.
More information
More information about the Mikrocentrum courses can be found at https://mikrocentrum.nl/nl/cursussen/cursusoverzicht/
Click Tech Event NorthNL For more information about this event, which takes place on June 2nd at De Bonte Wever, Stadsbroek 17, 9405 BK ASSEN.
