A unique, free training program where you - guided by professionals - work on your personal development during sessions at top locations such as FC Eindhoven and the Philips Stadium. Sounds too good to be true, right? Not for the students of the VDL Triple T Academy.

Sam Kersten (21) is enrolled in a technical apprenticeship program at the Summa College in Eindhoven, where he is training to become an All-round Welder (level 3). When he is not attending classes at the Summa College, Sam can be found on the workfloor of VDL NSA Metal in Veldhoven. Out of the four days he works here, he spends every Friday morning focusing on his personal development at the VDL Triple T Academy.

The VDL Triple T Academy – Pride, Talent, Technique
As a supplement to his regular apprenticeship program, Sam follows the VDL Triple T Academy program: the talent development program of VDL Groep - developed in collaboration with FC Eindhoven, Mikrocentrum, and PSV - for students undertaking a technical BBL education. Here, he participates in weekly training focused on personal development, sports, and vitality. This way, Sam works on developing his 'power skills', but also on his vitality and lifestyle. All students are guided by sports psychologist René Berden and former professional footballer Jens van Son. According to Sam, the VDL Triple T Academy is a highly valuable addition to a regular BBL program: “Personally, I would definitely recommend it to boys and girls. It’s a great experience, you learn a lot, and it’s a boost for your fitness!”

Playing padel, climbing, playing football: there's no shortage of sports challenges
Although the program of the VDL Triple T Academy was developed in collaboration with FC Eindhoven and PSV, the physical training definitely doesn't consist solely of playing football. Sam: “We've already done a lot of fun things. For example, we have swum, climbed, played football, attended a battle box training, and much more.”

Development of ‘powerskills’
In addition to the physical training that Sam is going through, he is also working on developing his ‘powerskills’. Topics such as teamwork, communication, entrepreneurship, and result orientation are covered. Sam says about this: “We get to know ourselves better here: how to handle stress better, how to set goals, and how to overcome fears. That's great because we can apply that in everyday life, for example in communicating and collaborating with colleagues.” These ‘powerskills’, as they are called at the VDL Triple T Academy, are essential in the high-tech manufacturing industry because they ensure vital and agile employees.

Power through collaboration: the foundation of VDL Groep
The strength of the VDL Triple T Academy is enhanced by the team spirit that exists among both the students and the trainers. They see each other every week and work together to achieve their goals. The mutual cooperation is indeed very good, notes Sam: “The trainers are friendly and you can talk to them about anything.” He adds: “Moreover, it's fun to meet colleagues from other VDL companies and learn what they actually produce and do at work.” To conclude their training at the VDL Triple T Academy, the students set a wonderful collective goal: an obstacle run of no less than 12 kilometers! A great goal to work towards together.