Foto: CTB
Civiele Toekomst Bouwers: career changers bring new talent to civil engineering
16 July | Toekomst | ShiftLimburg
Virtually all employers in the civil engineering sector face the same problem: the work is there, but the people aren’t. Civiele Toekomst Bouwers therefore decided it could no longer sit back and wait.
Through a two-year work-study programme, they are training a new generation of civil engineering professionals themselves. It is an innovative approach that not only transforms careers, but also helps employers to view talent in a different light.
“The number of graduates from mainstream degree programmes is lagging behind, whilst the demand for civil engineering professionals is only increasing,” says Maikel Schroën, one of the initiators. “Furthermore, many degree programmes do not always align well with real-world practice. Companies need people right now who can help tackle the challenges facing the Netherlands.”
Learning through practice
To bridge this gap, Consul Infra and KPE Group developed a two-year work-study programme at higher national education level. Participants work 32 to 36 hours a week on civil engineering projects and also attend 4 to 8 hours of classes. Theory and practice are closely intertwined, enabling new knowledge to be put into practice straight away.
This combination has proved effective. Whereas traditional training programmes often begin in the classroom, participants in the ‘Civil Future Builders’ programme are immersed in practical work from day one. They work alongside contractors, engineering firms and public authorities, and gradually progress to independent roles.
Motivation over experience
A background in civil engineering is not a requirement. In fact, motivation carries more weight than experience. “We can teach technical knowledge,” says Maikel. “But we cannot teach motivation, discipline and perseverance. We have found in the past that a technical background is no guarantee of success. That is why we now focus primarily on the person behind the CV.”
This vision opens the door for people who are ready to take the next step in their careers. The programme is aimed at candidates with a higher vocational education (HBO) level of working and thinking, an affinity for technology and, above all, the ambition to develop further.
Unusual career changes
This has led to some remarkable career changes. For example, Wesley worked in the hospitality industry for many years and was a chef/supervisor at Toverland. He is now a successful site supervisor in Venlo. Hans swapped his job as a transport planner for a role as a work planner/estimator, and Ton, after a career in the armed forces, made the switch to become a civil engineering site supervisor in Maastricht.
“Participants bring a lot of valuable skills with them from their previous careers,” says Maikel. “Experience in planning, communicating, collaborating and taking responsibility also proves to be of great value in civil engineering projects. It is precisely this combination of practical experience and new professional knowledge that accelerates their development.”
Initial results are promising
The first intake began in October 2025 with fifteen participants. The feedback has been positive. Within just a few months, participants are already working independently on projects. Clients have given positive feedback on their commitment and development. The next intake, due to start in September 2026, is expected to have twenty participants.
Meanwhile, the initiative continues to develop. “Based on the experiences of the first year, the programme is being continuously refined so that participants are even better prepared when they start their new careers and the link to the workplace becomes ever stronger,” says Maikel.
Building the future together
The need for new civil engineering professionals will only increase in the coming years. Issues relating to housing, climate adaptation, flood defences, the energy transition and ageing infrastructure call for additional capacity and new approaches to training.
The ambition is therefore clear: within five years, Civiele Toekomst Bouwers aims to become the leading training provider for career changers in the civil engineering sector, with a nationwide network of public and private clients. The aim is for organisations to come to view the programme as an integral part of their HR strategy – not just to fill vacancies, but to invest sustainably in new talent and to contribute to the societal challenges of tomorrow.
“In five years’ time, we will have transformed the lives of more than 80 professionals,” says Maikel. “They have been given the opportunity to retrain and become part of a scarce pool of civil engineering professionals with higher professional education qualifications. In doing so, we have broadened the labour market and helped many clients secure excellent permanent staff.”
Yara Verstappen Fotografie
Want to know more?
Civiele Toekomst Bouwers is for ambitious people who want to invest in their future. Whether you’re looking to change careers, are just starting out, or want to develop your skills further: if you’re keen to learn, we’ll help you get started.
As an employer, you invest in young talent and strengthen your organisation with civil engineering professionals who are ready to start work straight away.
Together, we are building the infrastructure of tomorrow.
Visit the website