Keel laying for sloop built by Damen Naval Production students

In Hall 1 of the Damen Naval yard in Vlissingen-Oost, a very special keel laying recently took place. Managing Director Roland Briene welded a Michiel de Ruyter coin to the bottom of a sloop that will be built over the coming years by Scalda students as part of their Vocational Training Course (Beroepsbegeleidende Leerweg, BBL).

During the ceremony, Production Manager Martin Wattel compared building the sloop to sailing through a storm. “You start with a plan, a route, and a design. Then the waves come: technical challenges and shifting schedules. Just like at sea, that requires adaptability, teamwork, and trust in each other. But it is in that storm that you truly get to know your ship and yourself. Students discover their strength, perseverance, and craftsmanship. Mentors are the compass, the lighthouse, and the safe harbour. Together we face those waves.”

He added that the challenges will make the project even more valuable and that the students will be proud of their achievement. “When the sloop finally touches the water, it will not only sail on engine power but also on their experience and the learning process we have shared. Let this keel laying mark the start of a journey where we do not fear the storm but use it to grow stronger. Because those who brave the storm truly learn to sail.”

After welding the two-euro coin featuring Michiel de Ruyter, Roland Briene said the project symbolises a fresh start. It represents both the production facilities in Vlissingen-Oost, which will be busy in the coming years with new ships for the Royal Netherlands Navy, and the BBL students at the beginning of their careers. “This keel laying is so important because becoming a shipbuilder is not just about learning to weld or commission vessels. It is also about learning traditions, such as keel laying. Later we will christen and launch the ship. These are all traditional steps in shipbuilding that the students need to embrace.”

In the production hall, the 7.5-metre-long and 2.5-metre-wide sloop is slowly taking shape. Damen Naval currently employs 17 students at various levels of their vocational or higher education courses. For the third consecutive year, Damen Naval is also working with local secondary schools by offering welding as an elective subject. This gives students the opportunity to learn about the trade, the company, and the shipbuilding industry.

In September and October, seven new BBL students started: six first-year students and one second-year student. Over the coming years, they will be trained as All-Round Production Workers or Welders. They are eager to work on the sloop.

“The sloop is being built for and by the students. Production work takes priority, but when things are quieter, they can work on the sloop,” explains Senior Foreman Cees van Cadsand, who supervises the production workers. Welding Supervisor Leo Dingemanse, responsible for the new welders, adds: “This project is really for them, to teach the trade step by step. We take the time to show and let them do everything. And as soon as they are ready, they can work on the sloop.”

Meet the new students

Jannis Jobse (16), first-year Welder (level 2)
“My cousin Marco works at Damen Naval, and I once visited during an open day. It seemed great, and I never stopped saying I wanted to work here too. I enjoy welding all day. The mentors are nice, and the colleagues are great. I look forward to being hired as a full-time welder.”

Casper Hajee (17), second-year Welder (level 3)
“I first learned about welding in secondary school, so I looked for a company where I could learn more. My first year was at another company, but that didn’t work out. Now I’m here, and it’s great. Working on the sloop is fun, and I hope that when it’s finished, there will be a ship here to work on.”

Amy Boxhoorn (18), first-year Welder (level 3)
“I previously started two other courses, but neither suited me. While searching for a good course, I spoke with my mother-in-law, who is a welder at Scalda. I’m quite creative, so I wanted to do something hands-on, and this is going really well. We get excellent guidance, and I’ve already done a lot of welding.”

Tim Tamboer (17), first-year All-Round Production Worker (level 3)
“This seemed like the perfect company because I want to work with ships. It’s interesting how they involve us in everything and how we are allowed to do things ourselves. Working on the sloop is fun because everything is new, and I’m learning a lot. There’s plenty of variety, which I enjoy. After this course, I’d like to work on naval ships, although yachts also interest me.”

Jacco van Schaijk (25), first-year All-Round Production Worker (level 3)
“I already worked at Damen. I started as an intern six years ago and then worked in software development, but that wasn’t for me. I wanted to do more hands-on work. It meant going back to school, but I didn’t mind. I really enjoy this; it suits me better. It’s completely different, but now I can move around, work with my hands, and create something real. I’m excited to see how the sloop progresses over the coming years.”

Penelope de Bruine (17), first-year All-Round Production Worker (level 2)
“I always wanted to work in shipbuilding. I’ve been interested in working with ships for years, and I want to gain knowledge and learn flame cutting and grinding. We have great mentors and can always ask questions. My family and friends think it’s cool that I work here because it’s seen as men’s work. But I already chose the technical track in secondary school, and I’m enjoying myself here.”

Wijna van den Berg (18), first-year All-Round Production Worker (level 3)
“I had been looking for a company for a while, but I live in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, and there aren’t many options there. When I started looking on this side, I asked Amy and Jacco, who are in my class, where they worked. I immediately emailed HR, got an interview, and started in October. It’s great; every day is different, and it’s fun with the other students.”

Text: Eefje Koppers