From Classroom to Workplace with VTI Brugge

Today's students are tomorrow's professionals. In the rapidly changing world of technical industries, helping young people prepare for their future careers isn’t just a good idea, it’s essential. This belief forms the foundation of our longstanding partnership with VTI Brugge and drives the Workplace Learning program, a practical bridge between education and the professional world.

What is VTI Brugge?

VTI Brugge (Vrij Technisch Instituut Brugge) is a technical secondary school in Bruges, Belgium. The school focuses on practical technical education for students aged 12-18, teaching skills in mechanics, electronics, construction, and information technology. Schools like VTI play an important role in Belgium by preparing students either to enter the workforce directly or continue with higher education.

VTI Brugge ©

Our Growing Partnership

BMT Aerospace has been working together with VTI Brugge for quite some time. Over the years, this partnership has grown to include a range of activities. We take part in the school’s open house events and regularly welcome students for guided tours of our shop floor. A key part of this cooperation is the Workplace Learning program, which we introduced a few years ago to give students real-life experience in a professional environment.

A Closer Look at Workplace Learning

This program brings students to our Oostkamp site for real-world learning experiences. Each visit follows a clear and effective format:

  1. Morning Theory Sessions: Students start with classroom-style lessons taught by BMT Aerospace team members. These sessions cover key concepts and technical knowledge needed in aerospace manufacturing, including topics such as sector gear technical requirements and production methods, machining tools management, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and reading technical drawings.
  2. Hands-on Practice: After learning the theory, students move to our shop floor where they complete practical assignments under expert guidance. This hands-on experience helps them apply what they've just learned as they perform activities like shrink fit tooling, flatness and height measurements, thermal treatment, and hardness testing.

This combination of theory and practice helps students understand both the "why" and "how" of aerospace manufacturing. They learn industry standards, see how quality processes work, and gain practical skills that complement their school education.

The Impact of Workplace Learning

Workplace Learning has many benefits. It gives students the chance to experience a real working environment before choosing their career path. Because they work with machines and technology not usually available at school, they develop practical skills that employers value. It also allows them to meet professionals who can offer advice. Additionally, it’s a great way to introduce students to BMT Aerospace and possibly inspire them to start their careers with us.

Preparing for the Future

There is a strong and ongoing demand for technical talent, which isn’t likely to change anytime soon. That’s why it’s so important for young people to gain early experience in a real working environment. Through Workplace Learning, students discover their strengths, learn new skills, and build confidence in a technical setting. The partnership between BMT Aerospace and VTI Brugge shows how schools and companies can work together to support and guide the next generation.