Innovation begins with knowledge. Therefore, the ICD and its companies intensively with leading knowledge institutions in the Northern Netherlands and beyond. From MBO to university: through internships, graduation projects, joint research projects and talent programs, together with the knowledge partners, we are building a unique high-tech ecosystem in the North.
We are happy to introduce our knowledge partners to you:
MBO institutions
TechnicNorth - Practical mechatronics training (BBL).
TechnicNorth is a unique partnership where learning and working in high-tech practice come together. Established with the cooperation of ICD companies, this institution offers a special BBL training in Mechatronics, where students get to work directly in our companies. The combination of in-school learning and direct on-the-job application makes this a powerful formula.
ROC Firda - Technical talent of tomorrow
Firda (formerly ROC Friese Poort and Friesland College) provides valuable MBO talent for the northern manufacturing industry. Through internships, BBL pathways and technology projects, students grow on to great careers within the ICD network.
Drenthe College - Regional strength for MBO engineering.
Drenthe College is an important partner in training young technicians in the region. The cooperation with ICD companies focuses on internship supervision, practical assignments and the development of customized practical education.
Colleges
Hochschule Emden / Leer - International cooperation with impact
The cooperation between the ICD and the Hochschule Emden/Leer shows that innovation knows no boundaries. Students from this German college actively participate in projects, events and networking initiatives with our companies - and that produces tangible results.
For example, students and ICD companies worked together on the International Connected Project, in which international cooperation and technology development went hand in hand. We are also present annually at the Job Fair of the Hochschule to enthuse students about internship and career opportunities in the Northern Netherlands. Furthermore, we welcomed students during an international high tech safari, where they literally and figuratively took a look into our kitchen.
Read more about the International Connected Project
Check out the report from the Job Fair in Emden
Read about the international high-tech exploration
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences - Practically oriented higher education and dual HBO programme
NHL Stenden is a key partner for the ICD in the field of hands-on education. Every year, our companies welcome dozens of students from NHL Stenden for internships, graduation projects and joint innovation projects. The cooperation ranges from technical business administration to robotics and industrial automation.
A concrete example of collaboration with ICD companies is the unique dual Associate degree program Industrial Automation and Robotics, in which students spend two years working and learning within the high-tech industry. In addition, 10-20 weeks of classes and work lectures and labs take place in the SKILL building and the Robot Lab. Also, companies such as Philips and Resato have already had students from us. And our Industrial Automation and Robotics/Electrical Engineering teacher Johannes Bruinsma is in the Robotics Working Group.
Furthermore, the so-called “safaris” organized, where students are directly introduced to real-world practice. During these company visits, they interact with engineers, examine current cases and even present their own innovative solutions.
More about the dual course in Industrial Automation and Robotics
News release about the safari for engineering students
Read the article about the robotics safari with NHL Stenden
View the post about the student presentations of Industrial Automation & Robotics
Hanze University Groningen - From idea to innovation in practice
The Hanze University of Applied Sciences is a permanent knowledge partner within the ICD network. Students from this college are involved in various innovation projects, internship assignments and hands-on research projects in cooperation with our companies.
A special element of our cooperation are the so-called high tech safaris. During these discovery tours, students will visit multiple ICD companies, get a behind-the-scenes look, have substantive conversations with engineers and HR teams, and experience what it is like to work in an innovative, technical environment.
These intensive encounters provide not only inspiration, but also concrete next steps such as internships, graduate programs and sometimes even a first job.
Read the report of the latest safari with Hanseatic students
Watch Hanze students' successful exploration of ICD companies
Universities
University of Groningen - Academic knowledge for practice issues
The University of Groningen (RUG) is a top academic institution with which the ICD collaborates intensively. This cooperation is among other things in the field of knowledge development and talent retention in the Northern Netherlands. Students, PhD students and researchers from the RUG find a rich practical environment within our companies. Here academic knowledge and technological innovation come together.
A good example is the PhD Day which takes place in cooperation with the ICD: PhD students meet high-tech companies here and explore joint research and career opportunities. In addition, we regularly organize student safaris where students learn about real-world experiences, experience innovative technologies and see the opportunities the North has to offer. We also regularly host delegations from the RUG at our companies to deepen cooperation.
Check out the safari for RUG students
Read the review of the PhD day
Read about the business visit of the RUG delegation
EngD Autonomous Systems: learning at the highest level, applied in practice
A special result of our collaboration is the creation of the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) Autonomous Systems. This two-year program is designed for talented engineers who want to further specialize in complex, automated systems in an industrial context. Within the program, candidates perform challenging assignments at our companies.
This track offers:
- For candidates: an intensive, hands-on program at the post-master's level
- For companies: direct access to top talent and tailored innovative solutions
More about the EngD Autonomous Systems
View ICD's role as an industry partner
TU Delft - Northern Netherlands on the radar of top talent
Every year we present the ICD during the Delft Career Days, where we introduce technical students to our companies and career opportunities in the north. This contact keeps us visible to young top talent from all over the Netherlands.
In addition, we regularly organize “tech safaris” for Delft students, where they experience what the northern Netherlands has to offer in terms of innovation, technology and career development during company visits and meetings in the region.
Read more about our presence at Delft Career Days
Read more about TU Delft's student safari
University of Twente - Where science meets industry
The University of Twente is known for its focus on technology and entrepreneurship. Within the ICD, UT students find a powerful practical environment in which they can apply their knowledge to current technological issues. This leads to concrete results - such as the project in which a group of UT students developed an innovative technical design that was not only tested in practice, but also won a prestigious prize within the ICD network.
“The combination of academic depth and practical application is what makes this collaboration so valuable.”
Growing together: knowledge, innovation and talent
Our cooperation with these educational institutions is not a one-way street. We share knowledge, facilitate development and guide young talent on their way to a career in high tech. Think about:
- Internship and graduate opportunities at all levels
- Talent and career programs for MBO, HBO and WO
- Sharing R&D facilities.
- Guidance for high-tech start-ups
Together we are building a powerful knowledge economy in the Northern Netherlands.
Want to know more or collaborate? Then contact us at icdrachten.nl/contact.