Laptops on wheels at the opening of the renovated motor vehicle technology department

The renovated Motor Vehicle Technology department at mboRijnland in Gouda officially opened on Tuesday, December 11th. State-of-the-art technology has been incorporated. Students now have even more opportunities to work with hybrid and electric cars.

With the push of a red button, Otto Jelsma, chairman of the Executive Board, two students, and Thierry van Vugt, alderman for Education in Gouda, opened the new learning environment. It marked the beginning of a story about modern vocational education, ready for the future. Jan van Laake, director of MBO College Techniek & ICT: "A modern car is best described as a mobile computer. Electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered cars are packed with software and electronics. Automotive engineering is therefore no longer possible without technology and ICT. This requires crossovers between the various disciplines in technology. These renovated training spaces offer ample opportunity for this. Here, we can train students, using specially prepared learning vehicles, to become skilled professionals who can handle the most modern vehicles, technology, and ICT."

Driving laptop

To illustrate this story, attendees had the opportunity to peek inside a hybrid training car and hydrogen car. Team leader Ellard de Vries calls modern cars "a laptop on wheels." "They're highly advanced vehicles packed with complex systems, such as data systems and safety systems." Instructor Tom Seldenthuis explains that car mechanics therefore learn much more than just solving technical problems. "A mechanic is increasingly involved in data logging, reading and interpreting data from the internal computer system." It's precisely this convergence of different technologies that appeals to students, as was evident during the opening day. "That's precisely why I chose this program." Ellard de Vries is proud of the students: "Once you complete this program, you can truly say you've accomplished a tremendous amount."

A modern car can best be described as a driving computer.

To keep up with rapid technological developments, collaboration between education, businesses, and government is crucial. Ellard de Vries: "As teachers, we need to be aware of the latest technologies. That's why we maintain close contact with car companies and importers." To demonstrate this, several technology companies were present at the opening. Theo Eitjes, director of aftersales at Hyundai, provided a stunning glimpse into the rapid changes awaiting automotive technology.

The AD also wrote an interesting article about the new practice rooms.
In addition, team leader Ellard de Vries was a guest at Omroep West on the radio program Mouse in the MorningHe starts speaking in the 27th minute.
A great promotion that all employees and students of automotive technology can be proud of.