At Lentiz MBO Westland, Roel van Heijningen (65) is preparing the next generation of growers for the future. But is there still a career path for young people in horticulture? "Absolutely," Roel tells local news outlet Rodi. From his own experience, he shares both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and reflects on his own career perspective.
"I've got a few more years to go until retirement. Practical education doesn't always get the recognition it deserves, but if you want to do it well, it's actually the hardest field there is. In this line of work, you simply can't afford to fall behind, so staying up to date is a big part of my job. That means reading trade magazines and staying in conversation with companies across the sector.
Over the course of my career, I've noticed that entrepreneurs can sometimes wear blinders, focusing too narrowly on their own business. Education has allowed me to look much further, to keep learning, and to pass that knowledge on to others. I really enjoy working on curriculum development and, above all, watching our students find their way in this complex but wonderful industry."
Source: Rodi
