Puk Steenbergen works as a Senior Recruitment Consultant. In addition to recruitment, he is also involved in account management, focusing on Aerospace.
Aerospace
The Aerospace sector in the Netherlands is a significant and thriving industry that focuses on the design, production, and maintenance of aerospace vehicles and components. This sector is of great importance to the Dutch economy, both directly and indirectly, providing employment for a large number of professionals. We have close contacts with various entities active in the Aerospace Industry, both nationally and internationally, and are therefore well-informed about the opportunities and developments within this sector.
Working in Aerospace
Aerospace is a significant part of WFS PRO, as reflected in our clients. We collaborate with clients such as GKN Fokker, Pal-V, SAM XL, Avion, Fokker Services, and Conscious Aerospace.
Puk provides more insight into some of our clients: “In the Netherlands, we have various companies active in Aerospace, each with its specialisation. For example, GKN Fokker specialises in several components of aircrafts, such as landing gear or wiring harnesses. GKN Fokker also focuses on developments such as the electrification of aviation. PAL-V is working on developing a flying car, while Conscious Aerospace has their full focus on flying on hydrogen. In addition to interesting developments, maintenance is at least as important, or, in other words, MRO on the aircraft, which we are also actively involved in.”
Puk also delves into the type of work and roles: “At WFS PRO, the focus is maily on Engineering, including roles such as Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, or Manufacturing Engineers. Aerospace is a unique industry where safety naturally takes precedence, even more so than in, for example, Automotive. This requires a specific way of thinking and working; someone must have an interest in aviation, in that safety, and all the processes surrounding it. And not to mention the fact that the developments of today may not take flight until 20 years from now.”
Developments in the industry
As briefly mentioned earlier, some of our clients are involved in flying on hydrogen and electrifying aviation; sustainability is becoming an increasingly important topic, and this is evident in the industry. Sustainability is gradually becoming a prerequisite for companies, products, services, or developments. Soon, you will read more about these developments in an article about Green Aviation. Together with Maurice Taks, we delve into the topics of flying on hydrogen and electric flying, and how our clients are involved in these developments.
Green Aviation is not the only development in the industry. Our client PAL-V is working on the development of flying cars. Puk provides more details: “PAL-V is very advanced in its development and aims to start production in the near future. The car is approved for road use but not yet for flying.” Puk also explains the practical uses of such a flying car: “The product from PAL-V is, for example, ideal for emergency services to reach remote areas and vice versa. In the Wadden Islands in the Netherlands, one of these vehicles has already been ordered to reach the mainland faster in case of emergencies.” Not everyone can just hop into a flying car. This is related to regular air traffic and safety. Puk explains how this works: “There are, of course, many regulations involved, especially in the Netherlands. You can’t just take off: Before you fly, your flight must be reported to air traffic control, which must give approval. Of course, you also need a license to fly at all. This can be obtained through a simplified pilot training offered by PAL-V itself.” Also, you can’t just take off from your driveway: You are only allowed to fly from a runway if your flight is approved.
Will we see flying cars everywhere in the Netherlands in the near future? No, according to Puk, flying cars will mainly become popular abroad for the time being. “Think, for example, of the Emirates, where there is much more space, perhaps fewer regulations, and, of course, a lot of money. The flying car will, on the one hand, be a luxury product, alongside various practical applications.” Flying cars will, for the time being, only be suitable for shorter distances.
