Atrium Opleidingen from Ham, best known for its training in prevention and safety in the workplace, has set up a new business unit. Pablo Coosemans’ team will now also boost human skills and mental well-being in companies.
Atrium Opleidingen receives almost 20,000 students per year. They follow a variety of professional, subject-oriented courses such as Code 95, internal transport, prevention & safety, ADR or welding. Recently, an atypical branch has also been added, particularly in human skills in communication and leadership. There are also training courses in mental well-being, such as stress and burnout prevention.
“We started this after the takeover of Allegre,” says Veerle Lenaerts, Human Engagement Expert at Atrium Opleidingen (and at Allegre, because that name was retained). “After an open offer, we are now going to companies with a total package to propose an integrated program. The model we apply in these training courses is called ACT, which stands for Acceptance, Commitment and Training. It is scientifically substantiated and has been used in psychology for years. Companies can use it proactively to avoid failure, burnout and long-term illness. What we mainly want to teach people in the workshops is how to deal with stress, anxiety and… worry.”
Laura Dewallef, Sales Manager at Atrium Opleidingen, adds: “Another basic trajectory that we offer in the new branch is about communication and leadership. We notice that many companies struggle with this. Not just young people who are given more responsibilities within the organization. , but also established values that want to have more impact on their people to pick up changes such as diversity and digitalization.”
Atrium is more convinced than ever that a combination of practical and social skills is necessary. “There is no doubt that you must be able to work safely and know the technical tricks of the trade,” says Veerle Lenaerts. “Until recently, the soft skills and the mental aspect were a ‘nice to have’. That time is over. Training and coaching is also necessary in that area to remain afloat as a future-oriented, professional organization. And that is where we are now. to invest.”
