Combines his work with HTS studies.

Christiaan Hilgers
Electrical & Instrumentation engineer (E&I engineer)
Education: MTS (Technical Secondary School) Energy Technology, now studying
at the HTS (Institute of Technology)
Age: 25

What does your job entail as an E&I engineer at Iv-Water?
As an engineer at Iv-Water I design control systems. I do calculations for installations, buildings or structures. I often travel to provide consulting services to external parties or to conduct on site evaluations.

Can you work and study at the same time? 
It’s tough, but I’m managing. I get plenty of support from Iv-Groep to continue with my studies. All of the study costs are reimbursed and I also get time off for studying.

What has been your best project at Iv-Groep?
The renovation of the Haringvliet and Volkerak locks! The dimensions of the lock chambers for commercial ships are 320 x 24 (l x b) metres and everything to do with control technology had to be replaced. That was a challenge because in terms of passing freight -- 240 million tons per year -- the Haringvliet and Volkerak locks are the largest inland navigation locks in the world.

Has been employed by Iv-Groep since her internship.

Marieke Benschop
Technologist
Education: Delft University of Technology, Civil Engineering
Age: 26

What is your task as a technologist?
As a technologist, I focus on the process aspect of water-purification installations. For example, how can it be ensured that organic substances are converted by bacteria, so that they can be separated from the water, and what technical installations are best suited to do this? These are the technical issues that I deal with on a daily basis.

Which do you prefer? To design a new installation or renovate an existing one?
When designing a new installation you have more freedom and there are fewer limitations. Yet renovating existing installations is certainly just as challenging. One of my favourite projects was the renovation of a water-purification installation. The challenge was to keep the installation operational during the renovation, since the supply of water could obviously not be interrupted. Another thing that made this project so interesting for me was the fact that I was able to follow every single phase of the project up close: from conceptual design right through to construction.

“One of my most favourite projects thus far has been the renovation of the Haringvliet and Volkerak locks. An immense challenge!”