The International Water Association (IWA) has selected the Ikonderzoekwater.nl (‘I Study Water’) as the best recruitment program for professionals in the water sector. The program is an initiative of Wouter Stapel, strategic advisor for water at DHV.
The program has been set up to promote interest in the water sector among Dutch students in their final year of senior general secondary education (HAVO) or pre-university education (VWO). It provides groups of students with the opportunity to carry out their practical assignments for their final exams within a relevant organization whilst receiving assistance from water experts across the sector. The program offers a great opportunity for the students to be introduced to water-related issues such as flooding, drying out, drinking water treatment, dike safety and so on.
"DHV is well aware of the importance of getting young people involved in water-related issues. For us, Ikonderzoekwater.nl serves as a model for best practices in the recruitment of young professionals", says Walter Kling, member of the jury of IWA, a global network of some 10,000 water professionals.
Seventy final exam students from the province of Utrecht participated in the program during the previous school year. They were supported by twenty teachers and thirty water professionals from various engineering firms, water boards, and local and provincial authorities. After this pilot year in Utrecht, Ikonderzoekwater.nl will now branch out to the provinces of Zeeland, Zuid-Holland, Gelderland, Overijssel and Friesland.
Wouter Stapel will accept the award for ‘Best Water Professionals Recruiting Program’ at the World Water Congress in Montreal, which is to be held from 19 to 24 September. IWA will award prizes in five categories and then reveal the overall winner of the five recipients.