Is four weeks of training sufficient?

'A very nice initiative, but you can't learn the trade in four weeks; at most some basic knowledge', 'Very attractive from a financial perspective, but an impoverishment of the quality', 'Teaching a monkey a trick (...)' and 'At the same time also your driver's license and VCA?' The article about Studium's Bootcamp Heat Pumps, in which lateral entrants are trained in four weeks to become certified heat pump mechanics, caused quite a stir in the installing Netherlands. Is a four-week training course enough?

Studium is an accredited technical training provider with a wide range of accessible and practical courses. From refrigeration and air conditioning technology to heat pump technology. "The technical sector is eager for new people," says Peter Koelewijn of Studium. "Moreover, current developments such as the gas boiler law and heat pump obligation from 2026 require specific skills, which should preferably be learned as soon as possible. Most companies do not have the ability to put employees through months or even years of schooling. We are responding to this with an extensive range of short, intensive and practice-oriented training courses, with which, for example, new entrants and lateral entrants can master key skills well and quickly."

Getting to work energetically

"Of course you are not an accomplished mechanic in four weeks," Koelewijn emphasizes. "That would be selling all skilled technicians short. But you do have the necessary knowledge and certificates to get started energetically." Here he likes to make the comparison with the car driving license. "I think it is true for everyone that you only really learned to drive when you had your pink paper in your pocket. With our short courses we aim to do exactly the same. For example, as a result of the new gas boiler law and BRL200 legislation, you need to be certified before you can work on a heat pump installation or air conditioning system. That is what our training courses provide."

From junior mechanic to accomplished specialist

"Our own research showed that many technical training courses are poorly aligned with the field," Koelewijn said. "That's why we offer training courses without unnecessary ballast, with a focus on actions you will perform in the field and where there is currently the most demand. We don't just hand out 'pieces of paper,' we quickly prepare students for a recognized STEK or InstallQ exam. If they pass, we always advise students to shadow an experienced technician for a few months or even longer, so that they can gain sufficient practical experience. Even if you are self-employed. In addition, we offer a wide range of in-depth modules that trainees can take as soon as they are ready. In this way they can develop step by step from junior mechanic to accomplished specialist. Exactly what today's market demands and needs." As an example, Koelewijn mentions the various Vakmanschapsroutes, which have been initiated by and for the installation sector and which are built up exactly in accordance with the learning objectives.