Let talent shine. Talent deserves an opportunity to flourish. That’s why mtech+ and Linguapolis are joining forces to support young adult refugees in their academic and professional futures in Flanders.
Starting this year, mtech+, the career development fund for the metal and technology industry in Flanders, is funding scholarships for young adult refugees who are following an intensive Dutch language course at Linguapolis. The aim is clear: to prepare highly qualified talented newcomers more quickly for a long-term career in the metal and technology sector, whether through further study or directly into employment.
This makes having a good knowledge of Dutch essential and is why scholarship students not only receive intensive language training, but also gain insights into the mtech+ sector throughout the year. This includes, amongst other things, company visits and meetings with professionals in the field.
The project gets underway in September with four scholarship students. Read their stories:
Omar (24) from Palestine has already completed a bachelor degree in computer science and would like to enrol on the master programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Antwerp. ‘I could have done a master in English, but the most effective way to become part of society here is to learn Dutch,’ he says.
Mohammed (27), also from Palestine, has a background in computer science and wants to improve his prospects on the labour market, possibly whilst studying alongside. Both will be starting the Dutch Preparatory One-year Programme, which means over nine months they will progress from beginner to the language level required for university studies.
Ayman (29) from Yemen, an engineer by training, has opted for an intensive Dutch language course. For Ayman, language is an essential step towards professional integration: in the Belgian construction, metalworking and technology sectors, technical discussions, safety communications and collaboration with clients and public authorities often take place in Dutch. Ayman says, ‘I want to learn Dutch so I can look for work. I’m a geotechnical engineer. But it’s very difficult to look for work in English.’
Lilith (25) from Ukraine is also fully committed to language learning. With a recognised bachelor degree in Chemistry and experience in data-driven and highly regulated environments, she intends to build a career in the Belgian life sciences and technology sector. She sees having a good knowledge of Dutch as essential for collaboration, professional development and successful integration into the labour market. ‘I have experience in the petrochemical industry and have worked night shifts as a laboratory assistant, but it was tough,’ she says. ‘I’ve decided that I want to improve my Dutch so that I can work in a different job, perhaps in consultancy or another engineering role. But for now, I mainly want to try and gain experience in various sectors.’
Investing in talent
Through this initiative, mtech+ and Linguapolis aim not only to create opportunities for individuals, but also to contribute to a labour market in which talent is utilised to the full, regardless of background. The four scholarship students make up the first cohort of a project that brings language, education and work closer together.
We wish them every success and look forward to seeing them progress soon to further studies or a career within the mtech+ sector.
