2025-05-26
Cooperation is fundamental to how the port operates. This applies to cooperation between companies, between colleagues, and increasingly, between different generations. Internships and dual learning pathways not only introduce young people to the field, but also allow them to challenge and invigorate the teams they're part of. Get to know Senne, Cyrianne, and Paulin, as well as the colleagues guiding their journeys.
Senne is in his final year studying electricity at Don Bosco Hoboken. Through the dual learning pathway, he combines school days with practical experience at the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority. Three days a week, he works with the team of technicians at Quay 102 on a rotation basis.
Senne explains: "At school, you mainly work alone; here, I really learn how to work together. You have to take initiative, ask questions and take responsibility. It is no longer practice for marks, but real electricity. That is new and valuable." He spends his days on hands-on tasks ranging from replacing fuse boxes to inspecting shore power cabinets and maintaining lighting across the many buildings of the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority.
For me, dual learning was the difference between quitting school and graduating.
Matthias, a supervisor and specialist electricity technician, takes pleasure in passing on his expertise: “Senne is reliable, enthusiastic and eager to learn. I did part-time education myself, actually. Coincidentally, it was through the same school and supervisor as Senne. I know how crucial it is to be taken seriously as a student and to be allowed to participate as a full colleague. Moreover, we as a team also learn new things ourselves: Senne's involvement compels us to consistently scrutinise our own approach."
For Senne, the dual learning pathway made all the difference between giving up and completing his studies: "Without dual learning, countless young people would abandon their education. I was very close to giving up on it myself by the end of last school year. A teacher eventually convinced me to move to a dual learning pathway, and I'm pleased to say I'm now on the verge of graduating. With the benefit of hindsight, I'm extremely happy about that decision!"
Cyrianne is pursuing industrial sciences, with a focus on electromechanics, at the University of Antwerp, where she is specialising in offshore technology. For her Master's thesis, she sought an environment that would allow her to integrate engineering principles with social applicability. Her search led her to the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority. "My family works here, so I was already somewhat familiar with the port. But it wasn't until I visited the bridge basement of the Berendrecht Lock that I was truly convinced: this is where it happens. That personalised tour also made me feel incredibly welcome!"
Cyrianne is undertaking a feasibility study focused on regulating the bridge movement of the Frederik Hendrik Bridge at the Zandvliet Lock. "We're exploring ways to make the bridge movement even safer and more efficient, including implementing better sensors and optimising the programming code. While I barely understood things at the start, I'm now completely engaged and even have the opportunity to develop future recommendations."
Cyrianne came to us with an open mind. She asks the right questions, takes a fresh look at how we operate, and plays her part in optimising our processes.
An, her supervisor and an EMA project expert, quickly discerned that Cyrianne thrived on challenges. "I saw my younger self in her immediately: that same curiosity, drive, and wide range of interests. That really rubs off on people. What I perhaps like most of all is that she approaches everything with a completely open mind. She asks the right questions, takes a fresh look at how we operate, and plays her part in optimising our processes.
Cyrianne adds: "I was given a lot of freedom here, but also confidence and support. I learnt an incredible amount about technology, collaboration, and project management. I now feel significantly more prepared for professional life and heartily recommend a port internship to all my peers.
Paulin is a student of International Entrepreneurship at Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts. He landed his internship somewhat by chance, thanks to the connections of his football team, City Pirates. This socio-sports organisation has been working with the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority for a while now. Paulin was keen on an international environment, which is how he came to APEC, the training centre of the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority. Here, port professionals from across the globe attend courses on logistics, port operations and sustainability.
"As an Antwerp native, I actually knew very little about the port. It's only now that I fully appreciate the vast array of opportunities available at the port, especially relevant to my field. "Having been raised as a French speaker, I instantly felt an affinity with the international character of APEC," he says. "I'm given the opportunity here to help with the communication of international training courses, greet trainees from places like Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and even contribute to enhancing existing processes."
Internships provide a vital link, without which students miss a crucial bridge between theory and practice. For me personally, it really lowers the barrier to employment. I am grateful for this opportunity.
Paulin's internship supervisor and APEC's training executive, Kim, observed how quickly he thrived. "He thrives in a multicultural environment. Despite saying he's not a big talker, he's actually quite natural and proficient at it. He presents himself professionally, works independently, and communicates well with the trainees."
Supervising an intern was a considered choice for Kim. "I think it's really important to give young people opportunities. And it's a learning experience for me too. You re-examine your own processes through their eyes, and it keeps you on your toes. Besides, it's simply nice to see someone grow in their role. Incidentally, Paulin was the first ever intern to join APEC in the role of training executive. It was a little challenging initially, but it certainly left me eager for more!"
For Senne, Cyrianne and Paulin, it's evident: an internship or dual learning pathway goes far beyond a mere teaching assignment. It offers a chance to develop, to find out what genuinely fits your aspirations, and to get real-world exposure.
Fancy finding a unique experience at a one-of-a-kind company yourself? Have a look at all the opportunities for young people on the website. From internships and dual learning pathways to student roles, traineeships, and bespoke collaborations. We believe in growing together!
