Automation technician Valentin, for instance, who recently started working at Decospan, is taking a external machine-specific three-month training course this autumn. "I like to expand my knowledge, so it is definitely a great opportunity I get at Decospan," he remarks. If you want to attract and keep technical profiles, you have to nurture them by investing in their skills and motivating them to keep learning."

Decospan's goal is to create experts. In terms of automation and process engineering, but also in terms of team management for those who continue to grow, like Ruben. "A lot of time and budget is set aside to expand the knowledge needed by an individual in a particular position.

We have recently developed a training matrix. With this tool, we can individually map out existing knowledge, knowledge yet to be acquired and progression. Those who brush up on one of their 'blind spots', such as welding for example, can count on a nice end-of-year bonus after successful training. So with our matrix, our technicians are intrinsically motivated to become experts."

Internal and external training create employees who excel at what they do. At Decospan, there is also a strong focus on creating the right spirit. Ruben: "You bear full responsibility for what you do here. With every repair, perfect records are kept of who did what for what reason. The great thing about this is that technicians make it a point of honour to adjust a machine to perfection. More than that, they spontaneously take the initiative to optimise and we actually evaluate these new ideas and implement them if necessary. This appreciation for someone's input also ensures that everyone gives it their best and no one likes to leave loose ends.”