Lenaerts in Houthalen, an established name in industrial installation technology, wants to attract a lot of extra employees, but – like almost everyone – is struggling with a lack of inflow. As a solution, the company has founded the Paul Lenaerts Academy, its own training center where people are retrained as industrial technicians. “A great opportunity for the dismissed employees of companies such as NedCar, Sappi or Bose, who we welcome here with open arms to give their career a new direction,” says Ilse Lenaerts.
Lenaerts is growing strongly and therefore needs extra technicians. At least 10, right now. But: these profiles are very difficult to find, and hiring subcontractors is not a solution for Ilse Lenaerts and Johan Geraerts. “We may be rowing against the current, but we want to employ as many of our own employees. That doesn’t make recruitment any easier, so we have to be creative,” the duo says. “
And that translates into the Paul Lenaerts Academy, its own training institution, named after the late Paul Lenaerts, Ilse’s father. “The Academy is a separate cell within our organization that provides the right training for people who want to retrain as industrial technicians,” she explains. “We free up 2 internal people to pass on their knowledge and experience. They do this through workshops and one-on-one guidance. The newcomers also receive an intensive training period in the company, during which they are paired with a mentor. “
It is remarkable that people with a different education are also welcome. “You don’t choose a career for life. You adapt a career to your life,” says Ilse Lenaerts. “Just ask the people who will soon lose their jobs at Bose, NedCar or Sappi. There are many motivated people among them who are willing to retrain. We are therefore not necessarily looking for people with the right training. We prefer people with the right attitude. With a great desire to demonstrate craftsmanship. They fit into our corporate culture and help us to grow. And we will do that together!”
