News

Development of Cargo Handling Simulator scenario’s for Inland Shipping

A complete upgrade of the Cargo Handling Simulator has been carried out, besides the upgrade a brand new software module called “Neptune Instructor” has been added to the simulator. This upgrade has expanded the capabilities to use the simulator not only for maritime training, but also for cargo handling training in the inland shipping industry. Competences in the field of loading and discharging of liquid cargo from ship to shore can be trained and assessed. Simulators offer a safe and quick learning environment without the actual consequences when dealing with dangerous and often pollutant liquid cargoes. The development of these scenario’s and the transfer of knowledge using the equipment was greatly enhanced by the vast experience already build up in the maritime training department. Students are guided in 4 scenarios through the complete cycle of preparing for loading, loading, topping up and discharging of the cargo. These scenarios were developed by Sjoerd Groenhuis and Hein Schuilenburg.

Delivery of Interactive Software for Theory Maritime Communications in Inland Shipping

A database with questions regarding the knowledge and regulations of maritime communications in inland shipping has been developed using software program WinToets. This database will be used for training and quizzing students following courses for Boatmaster, Mate or Boatman. Almost 700 questions covering topics like regulations, technical requirements and safety and distress messages have been sorted and tagged according to subject in existing course materials. With this database students can prepare for their official exam according to national (Agentschap Telecom) requirements. Not only training on school in dedicated classrooms with pc’s is possible, training is also available via the STC-Group portal. Students can login and use the database for training purposes. Another option is to train a class as a whole by using the remote voting system, which allows the tutor to quickly scan and monitor the progress of each class and individual. These materials haven been developed by Andreas Keller.

Delivery of Interactive Software / Theory ADN (Transportation of Dangerous Goods via Inland Shipping)

A database with questions regarding the knowledge and regulations of the transportation of dangerous goods in inland shipping has been developed using software program WinToets. More than 600 questions have been drawn up, sorted and tagged according to chapter order in existing course materials, but also a subject tag has been added. With this database students can prepare for their official ADN exam. Not only training on school in dedicated classrooms with pc’s is possible, also via the STC-Group portal students can login and use the database for training purposes.

Interactive courseware developed regarding voyage preparations

12 scenario’s have been developed using Captive as e-learning development tool. This scenarios supports the learning and understanding of the BICS (Inland Information and Communication System) for data exchange between inland vessels. Next to the BICS-system scenarios are made to learn about the different waterlevels and tidal effects on rivers. E-learning enables students to adapt to their own speed of study. These scenarios were developed by mr. F. van der Voorn and mr. H. Schuilenburg.

Pias & Fairway

A new booklet with practical cases has been developed to assist students of the Ship and Yacht building sector to make drawings. Software program Pias & Fairway are used to develop these drawings. Hull shapes, tanks and frames have to be designed, where after stability calculations are made and loading conditions determined. This new book bridges the gap between theory and practice as both components are merged together in this hands-on booklet.

State of the art aviation room

By means of the European Transport Academy a long cherished wish of the teaching staff of the Aviation branche of the STC-Group came true. Room 6.01 at the location Lloydstraat in Rotterdam has recently been decorated in an aviation specific context. The aviation identity of the MBO-studies Luchtvaartlogisticus and Luchtvaartdienstverlener is hereby greatly amplified at this location. The room is state of the art by a mannequin with a stewardess uniform, airplane seats, a model of an airport and a scale model airplane with a wingspan of nearly two meters.

HRM Teaching materials developed

Recently, an European Transport Academy project for the development of teaching materials on HRM and entrepreneurial knowledge and skills at a management level was completed for the Rhine & Inland Shipping sector. The material was developed by Mr. Ton Mullel and consists of (guest) lectures and a project in which participants need to work together in a group to bring a fictional inland vessel into operation, including the recruitment and registration of adequate personnel. Theme’s which are part of the lessons are; manning regulations, business registration at the Chamber of Commerce, selection of ship type, project management and a complete application process. Even a job advertisement and selection criteria need to be developed and are posted on the VMBO intra-net. Participants of VMBO are encouraged to write an application and go to a job interview.

When all materials were developed, Mr. Johan Tiggeloven taught all lectures and adapted the materials where necessary. Participants showed enthusiasm for the lectures and the project. In particular, the application and recruitment of crew were found to be both educational and fun. This proved the material as a useful addition to the curriculum of the Captain / Manager Inland Shipping training.

Grand opening of STC-Group’s location in Brielle

On Friday October 7th, the STC-Group celebrated the opening of its new school building in Brielle, the Netherlands. At the location Brielle, the STC-Group houses its education and training for the process and maintenance industry. “After extending and renovating the location, we are able to provide our students with the most innovative facilities”, Erik Hietbrink, chairmain of the board of the STC-Group, said.
Mr. Hietbrink officially opened the site by cutting a ribbon and unfurling a flag, after Mrs. Romp, one of the guest speakers, fired a cannon.

Prior to this official moment, Mr. Van Scherpenzeel (General Manager Shell Pernis), Mrs. Romp (Site manager Teijin Aramid Delfzijl and Plantmanager of the year 2011) and Mr. Van Sluis (chairman of Deltalinqs) spoke about the importance of high quality education for the process industry. They pointed out the need of the industry for an adequate and qualified work force. Business and education should cooperate with that purpose. Also, good education facilities are very important, as students can practice the theory in practice. The building extension, renovation and investments in facilities of the STC-Group in Brielle are an important step.
Mrs. Hollander, department director of the STC-Group in Brielle, opened the afternoon with a speech about the history of the location. She is proud of the result achieved.
The final speaker was Mr. Hietbrink, who stated that the STC-Group will continue to invest in port and industry education.

After the official opening ceremony, all guests were shown around the school building. The new area as well as the renovated building, were passed during the tour. Also shown was the training plant, one of the most impressive and unique training facilities. With the building extension, the STC-Group expanded its simulator and hands-on training facilities to provide its students in the future with the best education and preparation for a good job in the port industry.

Aviation Lab: the sky is the limit!

The end of one, is the beginning of another: on October 31 2011 a Martinair flight landed at Schiphol Airport for the last time with passengers. The airline stops after 53 years with the transportation of passengers. This end means a beginning for the STC-Group: an unique opportunity arose to invest in purchasing a part of an aircraft cabin of Martinair. A part of the cabin of an McDonnell Douglas from 1994 has recently been purchased. The coming period a construction company will mount the cabin. The expectation is that the cabin will be suitable for educational purposes mid-January 2012.

This aviation lab is a major step towards a knowledge institution. The practical element of the two MBO level 4 courses ‘Luchtvaartdienstverlener’ and ‘Luchtvaartlogisticus’ is greatly strengthened with this lab. Especially students of ‘Luchtvaartdienstverlener’ can prepare themselves In the cabin for their future work. This lab fits within the trend of growth of the educational aviation sector of the STC-Group.

New school building on location Waalhaven reaches highest point

The highest point of the construction of the STC-Group’s new school building on location Waalhaven Zuidzijde 18 in Rotterdam, has been reached. Of the STC-Group, Wim de Boom (department director VMBO), Peter Koster (manager MBO Transport and Logistics) and Robbert Douma (department director housing) hoisted a flag on Wednesday, August 17th, accompanied by Jan Verhaar of contractor Heerkens van Bavel Bouw.

The location houses the pre-vocational and secondary vocational studies of the Shipping and Transport College of the STC-Group. The new school building will consist of approximately 7.500 m2 and will be equipped with the most modern facilities. Construction is progressing according to plan. The expected delivery date is February 2012.

The new school building has been designed by the DP6 architectural studio from Delft. Together with technical advisors from Nelissen Engineering Bureau from Eindhoven and from Pieters Bouwtechniek Almere the design was further completed. Heerkens van Bavel Bouw from Tilburg is responsible for construction work. Furthermore, Wolter & Dros from Rotterdam and Alewijnse Delft are responsible for respectively the mechanical installations and for the electro-technical installations.

“This new building with all its new instruction facilities enable the education of young people from around for good jobs in the port of Rotterdam and inland shipping”, Wim de Boom pointed out.

Cargo planning made more dynamic

One of the projects within the sector Rhine & Inland Shipping has reached its finalised form. During the course ‘Containerplanner’ students learn how an Inland ship is loaded with containers. Because of the different length sizes (20, 40 or 45 feet) and types (general, refrigerated or dangerous goods) of containers, this is not an easy process. Other aspects are the order of loading and unloading, the stability of the ship and the draft.

The existing assignments were already more than adequate, but reality is slightly more dynamic. At the start of a lesson an assignment was read, resulting in a loading plan, which was implemented by the end of the lesson. However, in the work environment disturbances occur, which require the loading plan to be changed or updated, sometimes even requiring a complete new plan. To be able to train and test competences such as stress resistance, working under pressure and decision making, a change of the coursematerialcourse material was required, resulting in a more realistic emulation of the students future work environment.

The idea is to use emulated realistic telephone and e-mail traffic; while working on the original assignment of making a loading plan, a student will receive an order which requires him or her to immediately update the original loading plan. To make this possible, the assignment is build in the E-learning software package Captivate5. A number of instructions is even recorded and played back to the students in a foreign language. During the testing period, it turned out this new method and material is very successful. Students showed some real stress at times and they indicated to prefer the new material over the original because of the added realism. Even more scenarios will be created in the future!

Building extension of STC-Group location Brielle has been delivered

On Thursday, June 16th, the contractors who build the new building extension in Brielle, transferred it to the STC-Group. A new wing has been added officially to the school building.

The extension doubles the size of the school. The STC-Group offers excellent vocational education. The location in Brielle houses the trade school for process and maintenance industry. The new wing provides extra room for new, unique hands-on training and for simulators of industrial processes. One of the new innovative projects is the building of a tanker training facility, where loading and unloading of a chemical tanker will be simulated.

The extension of facilities is also an extension of capacity. It will be possible to train more students at the same time. In the new wing room has been created for a conference room, library, ICT-facilities, extra classrooms and offices plus a professional kitchen with both a student and a staff restaurant.

The new wing was designed by the architectural office Binnenbuiten from Rotterdam, assisted by technical advisors from ABT in Delft. The construction was realized by Geeve Bouw from Rhoon and Nima installatietechniek from Ridderkerk. Geeve was responsible for the architectural construction and electro technical work, and Nima installed the ventilation and drainage.

Now the new building has been delivered, it will be decorated and furnished. Moreover, the current school building is being renovated and the area around the building is being addressed. After the summer holidays the site will be finished. In the new school year, the STC-Group will plan a re-opening of location Brielle to celebrate.

New helicopter training platform STC-SAIO

STC-SAIO (member of the STC-Group) installed a new extensive helicopter training platform with integrated Free-Fall lifeboat on the 10th of March 2011 in Rotterdam. The helicopter training platform, which has a weight of 28,000 kg and has a stainless-steel helicopter-module, will be used for various training objectives, ranging from helicopter landing officer training to helicopter fire-fighting training.

With the installation of the helicopter training platform, STC-SAIO has taken another step in developing itself into the most renowned ‘Full Service Provider’ for the Offshore and Maritime Industry of the Netherlands. The helicopter training platform was built by MBL-Holland and was designed in close collaboration with STC-SAIO. VNV Techniek and Neddeck Marine have supported MBL-Holland and STC-SAIO in the design and construction process. All companies involved have comprehensive experience in the engineering and installation of training centers for the Offshore Industry. It was a challenge for all parties involved to comply with the high quality standards set by the STC-Group and STC-SAIO to make the training situations realistic and safe for both the course members and instructors.

The new helicopter training platform and training helicopter provide STC-SAIO the opportunity to:

1. Expand existing basic offshore training programs with more hands-on training.
2. Expand the number of officially recognized Opito, Nogepa and OLF training programs, such as helicopter landing officer, helicopter deck assistant, helicopter firefighting and reader firefighting and rescue team.

First phase of upgrade Kongsberg simulators at the Lloydstraat completed

Between March 14^th and 30^th, 2011, the first phase of the upgrade of the Kongsberg simulators at the STC-Group location Lloydstraat was carried out. During these two weeks the Norwegian company Kongsberg Maritime upgraded -in close cooperation with departments IT-Infra and Facilities- the Kongsberg high seas bridge, cargo handling and engine room simulators.

The six (high seas) bridge simulators have been equipped with new hard- and software. All six bridges are now equipped with a virtual outside view. Two of these bridges even have an outside view with an angle of 240 degrees. With the addition of touch screen Multiflex panels a number of new instruments, such as Navtex, DGPS and AIS, can be operated. Furthermore, one of the bridges is now also equipped with two Dynamic Positioning consoles (DP2), enabling the execution of DP2 exercises with outside visuals.

Room 1.03 has not only been equipped with new hardware, but also with the latest cargo handling models for chemicals, LPG, bulk and crude oil. Furthermore, a new LNG model is now available. With this the STC-Group responds to current developments in the port of Rotterdam and allows students to be prepared even better for their future jobs in the port of Rotterdam. With the addition of the new Neptune Instructor software, exercises can be created even faster and better, enabling for even more interactive courses.

Next to an upgrade of the hardware, the existing engine room models in room 1.09 have been upgraded as well and a new engine room model of the Sulzer 12RT-flex82C has been installed in room 1.03. With the upgrade to the latest version of the Big View, with touch technology and 3D models, the STC-Group takes another big step ahead. With the new Neptune Instructor software it is possible to connect student stations and execute exercises where cooperation is essential.

Phase two of the upgrade of the Kongsberg simulators will take place at the end of August 2011. The Full Mission engine room simulator will be equipped with the latest MC90-V software model and corresponding hardware panel layout.

New part-time Master Shipping and Transport program starting October 2011

Netherlands Maritime University (NMU), part of the STC-Group, is delighted to announce that it will offer a part-time Master program in Shipping and Transport as of October 2011.

NMU has been running the full-time Master Shipping and Transport program successfully since 2008, with a total of 106 students participating from all over the world. NMU initiated the part-time Master program in order to fulfill the demands of ambitious working professionals who wish to combine their career with further higher education.

The part-time program will have a total duration of two years and three months and includes five modules: four theoretical modules and a final module dedicated to thesis research. Students will be exposed to various means of knowledge transfer and skill development, ranging from lectures, seminars, case assignments and presentations to hands-on training through simulator exercises, management games and excursions.

Follow the link for the press release part-time Master NMU or the brochure.

New port-trade-school at historic location

On Friday February 18^th 2011, the STC-Group celebrated the start of the construction of a new school building at location Waalhaven Zuidzijde 18 in Rotterdam. Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Erik Hietbrink, Department Director VMBO Mr. Wim de Boom and Head of the MBO Road Transport and Logistics sector Mr. Peter Koster hit the first pole into the ground with the assistance of two students.

At the Waalhaven location, VMBO (pre- secondary vocational) education programs of the Shipping and Transport College are provided as well as several MBO (secondary vocational) education programs. The STC-Group is investing over €16 million in the construction of the new school building at the historic site of the first port-trade-school in the world, the 'Professor Rutten' (1958).

The new school building will consist of approximately 7.500 m² and be equipped with the most modern facilities. For education programs in the fields of Ports, Logistics, Road Transport and Rhine- and Inland Shipping, hands-on training facilities are being designed in cooperation with the specialist teachers in these fields. Department Director VMBO, Mr. Wim de Boom, emphasized in his speech the key position that hands-on training has in the STC-Group education programs: "As trade college it is our goal to not only provide our students with theoretical knowledge, but also to teach them how to apply this knowledge in realistic real-work situations (for example the securing of cargo in the cargo hold of a truck). In the new school building significant space will again be reserved for these types of practical training situations."

In his speech Mr. Erik Hietbrink, Chairman of the Board of Directors referred to the recent discussions about the quality of MBO (secondary vocational) education for port-related careers. He noted that port companies are satisfied with the STC-Group.  Regarding the suggestion of Deltalinqs that a new RDM-campus is required, Mr. Erik Hietbrink said: "The STC-Group is the only education institution with focus on the port, transport and the port industrial complex, and with the recognized status as trade college. Another such school is a waste of public money."

The new school building has been designed by the DP6 architectural studio from Delft. Together with technical advisors from Nelissen Engineering Bureau from Eindhoven and from Pieters Bouwtechniek Almere the design was further completed. Heerkens van Bavel Bouw from Tilburg is responsible for construction work. Furthermore, Wolter & Dros from Rotterdam and Alewijnse Delft are responsible for respectively the mechanical installations and for the electro-technical installations.

STC-Group invests in the port of Rotterdam with upgrade of crane simulators

On February 3rd Mr. Hietbrink, CEO of the STC-Group, has signed contracts for the upgrade and renewal of STC-Group’s port-terminal simulators, thus taking the next step in the realization of the European Transport Academy.

Norwegian-based supplier Oiltec Solutions has been asked to upgrade and renew two full-mission and four part-task simulators. Within 2011 the simulator-modules for the straddle carrier, container crane, single boom crane and bulk crane will be extensively modernized. New simulator modules for an offshore crane, rubber tyred gantry crane, multi-purpose crane and a new container crane will also be added to the largest simulator-park the world has ever known. The investments involve a sum of nearly € 2 Million. After completion of this massive project STC-Group will house even more advanced harbor-terminal simulators, aiding effectiveness of already available education and training possibilities. Training on various terminals with new and improved crane models will become possible. New and improved training possibilities in the fields of safety and efficiency for the offshore sector will also become available.

The upgrade of the harbor-terminal simulators fits STC-Group’s ambition to develop itself to a world renowned knowledge institute covering the complete transport chain. The development of the European Transport Academy also significantly contributes towards the strengthening of the Harbor Industrial Complex of Rotterdam.

New unique secondary vocational education program for rail

The Shipping and Transport College (part of the STC-Group) will, in cooperation with rail carriers, begin offering the two-year secondary vocational education program Train Driver from August 1^st, 2011. Given the fact that no secondary vocational education program exists currently in the Netherlands for the rail sector, the STC-Group is, with this new program, providing an answer to the education and training needs of the rail sector.

STC-SAIO obtained First NOGEPA-accreditation

On January 13th 2011 STC-SAIO was audited and obtained the accreditation by NOGEPA (the Dutch accreditation organization for the Oil & Gas Industry) for the H₂S-courses.

The H₂S course is a safety training which is obligated for staff which works with H₂S (hydrogen sulfide is a highly flammable and dangerous gas) sensitive installations. In most cases, this concerns employees active in the Oil & Gas Industry.

In the upcoming months, more audits by NOGEPA and/or OPITO (the English accreditation organization) are expected. In March 2011, STC-SAIO will be audited for the Conventional Coxwain and Free Fall Coxwain courses. To provide these courses and training, a heli-deck with an integrated Free Fall Life Boat installation is being built. See below ‘artist impression’ for a visualisation.

Furthermore, STC-SAIO, together with the team of the European Transport Academy, is working on the development of new course material to obtain the desired recognition and accreditations. All initiatives started in 2011 are targeted to fulfill our mission to become the ‘Full Service Provider’ for the Offshore and Maritime sector.

New school building at location Waalhaven has been commissioned

STC-Group has commissioned the construction of a new school building at location Waalhaven Zuidzijde 18 in Rotterdam. The construction of the new building starts following the recent demolition of the first port trade school in the world, 'the Prof Rutten'. This school was built in 1959 on the historic ground of the former airport Waalhaven, where soldiers fought for freedom during the Second World War. Thousands of harbour workers (including famous ones) started their career here. With this new school building the STC-Group ensures, with high quality and pride, the future continuity of port education in Rotterdam.

The location houses the pre-vocational and secondary vocational studies of the Shipping and Transport College for the sectors Ports, Road Transport and Logistics, and Rhine- and Inland Shipping. Due to the expected future growth in the number of students, the STC-Group is investing fifteen million Euros in a new school building.

In addition to the ground floor, the new building of 7500 m2 will have four floors and possess all modern facilities. Extensive room will be created for hands-on training. In the design of the building and the interior, the latest developments in the port and logistic sectors have been taken into account.

The new building was designed by the architectural office DP6 architectuurstudio B.V. from Delft, assisted by technical advisors from Nelissen ingenieursbureau B.V. in Eindhoven and Pieters Bouwtechniek Almere B.V. The new building will fit perfectly in the surrounding port area.

At the beginning of 2011 the construction will start; the new school building will be in use from the beginning of 2012. The construction of the new building is in the hands of Heerkens van Bavel Bouw from Tilburg with regards to architectural and construction work. Wolter & Dros from Rotterdam is realizing the ventilation and drainage installations. Alewijnse Delft is responsible for the electro technical installations.

STC-Group develops it's third type of ECDIS simulator

On 13 December 2010 the STC-Group extended its ECIDS simulator with the Transas Navi Sailor 4000 ECDIS software modules. This Transas ECDIS has been implemented on the simulation platform Diomedea®, which was developed by the STC-Group. The ECDIS is linked to the bridge simulators for seagoing vessels.

ECDIS is the abbreviation for Electronic Chart Display and Information System. The ECDIS simulator follows the AIS standards for making the position of vessels visible on the electronic nautical charts.

The new STCW Convention states that the use of ECDIS will become mandatory in training and examinations of seafarers from January 1, 2012 onwards. The STC-Group meets these requirements with its ECDIS simulator, which can be used for training with the ECDIS types SAM, Maris and now also Transas.

Upgrade GMDSS simulator

Between December 8th and 10th the GMDSS simulator in STC-Group Loydstraat MarCom room received an upgrade.

After the replacement of all computers in room 10.11 by IT-Infra, Transas installed with the ssistance of IT-Infra the latest version of its GMDSS simulator software. This version contains not only the updated SAILOR 2000 and 4000 series, but also the latest SAILOR 5000 series equipment. With this upgrade the STC-Group has a GMDSS simulator with which its students can be trained in the use of the latest means of onboard communication, such as AIS SART and Inmarsat mini-C.

This project is part of the European Transport Academy. More innovations in the simulator park of the STC-Group are planned, such as the upgrade of a number of Kongsberg simulators at the Lloydstraat.

Expansion of STC-Group location Brielle reaches highest point

The highest point of the building extension of the STC-Group in Brielle has been reached! On Wednesday, December 8^th, this milestone was celebrated, and both Robbert Douma of STC-Group and Teuny Bakker of Geeve Bouw placed a flag at the peak of the construction project in honor of the occasion.

The STC-Group location Brielle is the trade school for the process industry and industrial maintenance. The school building is in the process of being expanded with a new wing of 2,600 m². In addition, the current building is being completely renovated. Construction is progressing according to plan. The expected delivery date of the building extension is May 2011.

Upgrading world's largest simulator park

he STC-Group is not only known for the Shipping and Transport College and its international schools, but also as owner of world’s largest simulator park. On Friday December 3rd 2010 Mr. Hietbrink, chairman of the board of directors, signed several contracts with the Norwegian simulator supplier Kongsberg Maritime for upgrading and extending the high six sea ship’s bridge, five cargo handling simulators and five engine room simulators for an amount of 1.3 million Euro. This upgrade is part of the project European Transport Academy, which is aimed on positioning the STC-group as renowned international knowledge center for the entire logistic chain. The upgrades are partly financed with subsidy from the European Regional Development Fund.

STC-Group invests in the upgrade of the Kongsberg high sea ship's bridges, which will result in the continuation of the current DNV certifications and full compliance with the Dutch Inspectorate and the new competencies required by the revised STCW.

ther investments encompass the upgrade of the current chemical, LPG, crude and product carrier cargo handling simulators. In response to current developments in the port of Rotterdam, STC-Group also invested in a new LNG simulator. With this new simulator, STC-Group can better prepare their students and participants for their future jobs in the port of Rotterdam.

After this upgrade, the STC-Group will also have the most modern engine room simulator park available in the world. STC-Group invested in the upgrade of its comprehensive set of current engine room simulators. The largest full mission engine room simulator will stay connected to the renewed bridge simulators and new tools and instruments will be added. Students and participants of the STC-Group will also obtain new learning objectives with the new Sulzer 12RT-flex82C simulator and its long list of high tech systems. With the latest version of the BigView system, with its touch technology and 3D models, the STC-Groups takes another big step ahead. Together with the upgrade of the Full Mission simulator, the upgrade will result in added didactical value for the students and participants of the STC-Group.

The staff of the European Transport Academy continues to work on the upgrade of other simulators in the simulator park of the STC-Group and the purchase of new additional simulators.

The STC-Group takes over Rail Training Service Centre

The STC-Group (renown for, amongst others, the Shipping and Transport College, the 'Hogeschool voor de Zeevaart Rotterdam', the Netherlands Maritime University and its various international locations) has taken over the Rail Training Service Centre (RTSC). RTSC is a private education and training institute that offers numerous rail-related training courses.

The goal of STC-Group with this take-over is to take a large step forward with education and training for rail transport. Directly from 1 November 2010 all commercial education and training activities will be continued and the regular customers will be served from Rotterdam.

Within the coming year, the education programs for rail transport, such as for train driver, shunter and car inspector, will be released to subsidized public education. Currently work is being conducted on qualification dossiers for public education programs in rail transport.

The STC-Group is, with its specialized training programs, meeting the educational requirements of rail carriers. The development of the public education programs for rail transport will be accommodated within the European Transport Academy project. This STC-Group project will be realized within the next two years and includes an investment of millions in the education and educational facilities for all transport modalities "from door to door" that STC-Group provides training for.

STC-Group starts construction in Brielle

On Friday October 1st 2010, the STC-Group started the construction of the expansion of its location in Brielle. Chairman of the Board Erik Hietbrink and Location Director Laurian Hollander together poured the first load of concrete.

The STC-Group location Brielle is the trade school for the process industry and industrial maintenance. In 2010-2011 the location will be expanded by 2600 m². Moreover, the current building will be modernized. The STC-Group invests in this expansion to have additional space for new simulators and laboratories to ensure the growing student population has access to the best facilities.

The new wing is designed by architectural office Binnenbuiten from Rotterdam, assisted by technical advisers from ABT in Delft. The building will have an industrial look. The construction and technical installation works will be completed by Geeve Bouw from Rhoon and Nima Installatietechniek (Fitting Techniques) from Ridderkerk.

Now that the first load of concrete has been poured, the rest of the construction can start. The expected completion is May 2011, after which the current building will be modernized. The completion of both construction and modernization will be celebrated festively by the end of 2011.

Piling activities completed in Brielle

On Friday September 10th, the first pile went into the ground at the STC-Group’s location Brielle. After one week of piling all piles are in place.

The contractor will now start the preparations for laying the foundations.

In order to celebrate the start of construction, a ceremony will be organized around "the first concrete pour" on Friday October 1st.

"Young Talents" in Europoort Kringen September 2010

Danique Wiltink and Evelyn van Kampen have been part of the STC-Group European Transport Academy project team since the start of 2010. Together with twelve other young talents they are working on innovations in education and on allowing STC-Group to transform itself from school to also internationally renowned knowledge institute. Being able to think out-of-the-box was a prerequisite for their function; Wiltink and Van Kampen can do so: "we want to take everyone aboard".

Read the article that was published in Europoort Kringen in September 2010. (note: article is in Dutch)

New hardware and software in classroom 9.05

Classroom 9.05 of the Lloydstraat is improved for the sector Shipbuilding. The classroom has recently been equipped with new computers. These computers have the newest design–software packages, such as Nupas-Cadmatic, Mastership and AutoCAD. The development of new courseware on MBO–and HBO–level is the next step. Participants and students will learn to use these state–of–the–art software packages, which they can later on use in practice in the Shipbuilding industry.

The project was part of the comprehensive project European Transport Academy. It encompasses more innovative projects for the Shipbuilding sector, like the development of a brand new composite–laboratory and new courseware. The IT department worked hard throughout the summer holiday to make the improvements possible.

Electro engineering classroom 8.09 ready for use

A good start of the schoolyear 2010–2011 for all participants and students of the technical studies of the STC–Group. They now have a modern equipped laboratory, where all basic skills of electro engineering can be learned.

Classroom 8.09 on the Lloydstraat has become the new laboratory for electro engineering. Through this reality–inspired laboratory, students and participants can obtain a thorough and solid basis of electro engineering. Due to the adaptable switchboards (panel system), the flexibility and the degree of difficulty of the exercises can easily be adapted to the required learning goals. Besides this, participants can now find and solve voltage problems on different setups. Moreover, safety is guaranteed by using a safe voltage setting on the tables.

The project was done in a close cooperation between teachers and the facility department of the Lloydstraat. According to projectmanager Jurryan Schutte the classroom is ready to be used. The next step is the development of new related courseware. He expects this project to be finished in the fall.

Building placard placed at STC–Group location Brielle

Today the building placard has been placed at the building site of the school in Brielle.

The construction will start this summer.

The placard states:
STC–Group builds here:
the Trade School for the Process and Maintenance Industry

STC–Group commissions expansion of location Brielle

STC–Group has commissioned the expansion of its facilities in Brielle. The centre of excellence for the process and maintenance industry in Brielle will be expanded by 2.600 m². The increase in the number of students over the past 10 years and the expected future growth in student numbers, as well as the desire for more room for practical skills training, all ask for expansion of the existing complex of buildings.

With this resolve the complex will become nearly twice as large. Within the building several skills training rooms, 4 simulator rooms, a (to be newly developed) tanker training facility, a multi-media library and general facilities will be realized. The building is designed by Binnenbuiten from Rotterdam, assisted by technical advisers from ABT in Delft.

Work on the building expansion will start after the summer vacation. According to plan the expansion will be completed in May 2011.

Geeve Bouw from Rhoon, is responsible for the architectural, construction and electro technical work.. Nima Installatietechniek (Fitting Techniques) from Ridderkerk will install the ventilation and drainage.

Following the completion of the expansion, STC–Group is going to modernize the existing facilities. The aim is to have completed everything by the end of 2011.

Building placard placed at location Waalhaven

Even though the build of the new school building at the location Waalhaven will only start at the end of 2010, the building placard has already been placed in front of the current school building (see photo).

This placard creates a fantastic opportunity for all the cyclists of the 'Tour du Port' (and perhaps also the Tour de France!) to experience how STC–Group is "building the future"!

In addition, the students that are coming to receive their certificates with their families in tow, and all other pupils that are counting down the final days before the start of the summer vacation can get a good look of the big changes that will take place in the upcoming period.