Winner ‘TOP-mbo’er 2024’

6 questions for Isis van Es (23)

What training did you do?

Isis: “In the Netherlands, there are five schools where you can study aircraft maintenance technology. I completed the MBO-4 course in aerospace engineering at ROC Tilburg, now known as Yonder, in 2024."

How did you get in contact with the Dutch Aerospace Fund (NLF)?“I had never heard of the NLF before. My internship supervisor at school asked if he could nominate me for the ‘TOP MBO student 2024’ award. I felt really honoured. I had been seriously ill for a long time due to corona, so my studies didn’t exactly go as planned. That made it even more special to be chosen to represent my school.”

What was a highlight of your training?

“I did an internship with an independent contractor who works in ‘small’ aviation – piston-engine planes like historic aircraft, private jets, and sport planes. Totally different from the big jets you take on holiday. He was hired by private owners and the flight school at Eindhoven Airport. I learned so much from him about the profession.And during my studies, I was allowed to help build a sport aircraft! That was incredibly cool. You then see all the steps in the process of construction that you are normally not easily involved in. I got a lot of teachable moments out of this too.”

What was it like to hear that you became TOP MBO student 2024?

“Really special. Just to be at the gala. It was all very chic, while in my daily work I’m usually just in my mechanic’s overalls. I honestly didn’t expect to win, because I had no idea what others had submitted. My school’s director and my third-year mentor were there. So were my parents. Everyone was super proud, sooo nice!"

Where are you working now?

“At the Regional Jet Centre, where we maintain KLM Cityhopper’s Embraer fleet. I started there after the summer of 2024 – and continued studying straight away. Because a Dutch diploma alone is not enough. With my employer, I followed 15 theoretical courses in 10 months. These are necessary to eventually get my European licence as a ground engineer, both mechanical (B1) and avionic (B2). And now I do maintenance on the E175, E190 and E195-E2 from the Embraer fleet.

How does winning the award help your future?

“For me, it is the cherry on top of my education. Aviation is a small world. In my field, many people know each other, even if they work at different companies. So having an award like this on your CV really helps. My employer was proud too! They even asked me to write about it for my colleagues. Recently, I was at a job fair for our company. There I met a jury member from the NLF. Through him, I got invited for an interview by the Schiphol Aviation Community. All nice and useful contacts. If you do more than the normal curriculum during your MBO studies and win this award, you’re off to a great start in your career!”