Minister Bruins impressed by collaboration in the Zwolle Region

On Monday, May 19, Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins visited Port of Zwolle. The working visit focused on the collaboration between education, government, and industry in the field of maritime and logistics training. The minister was welcomed at the Deltion College campus, which also hosts STC Hanze Maritiem – a joint initiative of STC and Deltion.

The visit began in Building Zilver, home to aviation technology and maritime education programs. Paul Guldemond, alderman of the municipality of Zwolle, explained how education, government, and businesses in the Zwolle Region cooperate closely, with a strong focus on the needs of the labor market. Jeroen van den Ende, CEO of Port of Zwolle, added: “As the port authority for Zwolle, Meppel, and Kampen, Port of Zwolle plays a role in easing the pressure on major seaports. Skilled people are needed to keep the ports running. It’s up to us to ensure both bright minds and skilled hands are trained properly and offered opportunities in our region.”

The minister then took part in an interactive tour highlighting how STC Hanze Maritiem, Stad & Esch, Deltion, and Windesheim cooperate within the Zwolle Region to create seamless learning pathways that prepare both young people and adults for the workforce. Guided by maritime officer students Jelmer and Izak, Minister Bruins even took the helm in a simulator, steering a vessel through heavy waves between France and England.

The minister also spoke with adult students pursuing retraining in maritime and logistics careers, and with secondary school students Auke and Mart from Stad & Esch, who are following the elective “Working and Living On Board” on STC’s training ship Ab Initio. They demonstrated how to tie a mast knot – used to secure a line to a ship’s mast.

Afterwards, students from Deltion’s hospitality program prepared and served lunch at training restaurant Amadeus. During lunch, the minister joined several tables to engage with students, business leaders, educators, and government representatives.

Minister Bruins expressed his admiration for the strong collaboration between government, education, and business in the Zwolle Region. “Extraordinary things are happening here in Zwolle. It’s inspiring to hear directly from students. The way industry and education are working together to prepare young people for the labor market is impressive. And it matters – we urgently need these skilled professionals.”

Jeroen van den Ende, CEO of Port of Zwolle, concluded: “It is valuable that Minister Bruins experienced firsthand how strong the cooperation between education, entrepreneurs, and government is in our region. By investing in craftsmanship, innovation, maritime industry, and sustainable logistics, we are building the economy of tomorrow together. This visit underlines the importance of that joint commitment.”