Wij Techniek

What Wij Techniek does

Wij Techniek (legal entity Stichting Wij Techniek) is a Dutch sectoral development fund (ontwikkelingsfonds) for the technical installation industry, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Woerden, Netherlands. The foundation is mandated through the collective labor agreement (CAO) and co-governed by the major Dutch social partners CNV, FNV Metaal, De Unie, NVKL, and Techniek Nederland. Its mandate is to address the structural labor shortage and high youth turnover in the Dutch installation sector — a market that requires 121,000 new workers over 2025-2029 against ~10,000 annual vacancies and significant attrition within the first year of employment.

The organization's service portfolio spans training programs (Training Werkplekbegeleider, Training Praktijkopleider, Grip Krijgen), advisory trajectories (Bouw aan de Toekomst, reported to achieve 83% structural improvement across 250+ participating companies), a digital coaching app (Vaksterk, launched January 2026), an online declaration system for subsidy claims (declaraties.wij-techniek.nl with eHerkenning niveau 3 authentication), an RI&E workplace safety tool, and the TeamWork Servicepunt regional helpdesk operating across 11 Dutch labor market regions. It administers multiple reimbursement schemes (RTI up to €50,000, STIP €700/6 months, OSR €1,000 + €100 per employee, EVC €1,400, and a €1,500 personal development voucher), plus funded educational initiatives including the AD Engineering Associate Degree program with Dordrecht Academy and the LLO-Puzzelstuk consortium (Ministry of OCW funded, running to August 2027).

Wij Techniek operates on a non-commercial, CAO-funded model. Affiliated installation companies contribute to the fund through CAO arrangements, enabling employees to access training, events, subsidies, and digital tools free of charge. The foundation supplements this with government and EU subsidy pass-throughs (including LLO-Katalysator funding) and revenue-style fees for in-company training. A subsidiary label ArboTechniek provides adjacent occupational health and safety services. Customer segments span employees (from apprentices to directors), employers (installation companies), educational institutions (mbo/hbo), and chain partners (UWV, municipalities, language providers). Distribution is omnichannel — website, five social media platforms, monthly online side-entry sessions, the annual FemmeTech conference, regional P&O networks, and a national helpdesk — though all revenue is unconsolidated and not publicly disclosed.

Name

Wij Techniek

Legal name

Stichting Wij Techniek

Website

https://wij-techniek.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Wij Techniek is a Dutch CAO-embedded sectoral development fund that delivers training, subsidies, advisory services, and digital tools to address the labor shortage in the Dutch technical installation industry, serving employers, employees, and educational institutions across the Netherlands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sectoral Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Institutional Capacity Building & Training (Workforce/Systems Strengthening) (BPADAEAC)

Keywords

• Technical installation training
• Sectoral development fund
• Workforce development services
• Vocational training subsidies
• Labor market services

Headquarters

HQ city

Woerden

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. CAO-based Sector Fund Contributions: Wij Techniek is a sectoral development fund (ontwikkelingsfonds) for the Dutch technical installation industry, funded through CAO (collective labor agreement) arrangements. Member companies in the installation sector contribute to the fund, which is then used to provide subsidies, training reimbursements, and development services to both employees and employers. The fund is managed in cooperation with social partners CNV, FNV Metaal, De Unie, NVKL, and Techniek Nederland.
2. Government Subsidies and LLO-Katalysator: Wij Techniek receives and distributes government subsidies such as EU subsidies for training schemes, and LLO-Katalysator funding from the Ministry of OCW for projects like LLO-Puzzelstuk that develop rapid learning pathways for career switchers. These subsidies are passed through to eligible employers and educational institutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Wij Techniek is the sectoral development fund (ontwikkelingsfonds) for the Dutch technical installation industry, providing subsidized training programs, financial reimbursement schemes, digital coaching tools (Vaksterk app), regional labor market advisory services, and employer workforce development support. Its offerings target installation companies, their employees, supervisors, HR professionals, job seekers, and educational institutions across the Netherlands.

Product overview

Wij Techniek is the development fund for the installation industry, offering a portfolio of training programs, digital tools, advisory services, and subsidy schemes. Core offerings include the Vaksterk digital coaching app for starters, various instructor training programs (Werkplekbegeleider, Praktijkopleider, Grip Krijgen), the TeamWork Servicepunt for labor market support, and digital tools including a declaration system and RI&E safety assessment tool. The organization also manages reimbursement schemes (RTI, STIP, OSR, EVC, Voucher) and runs the Kennisnetwerk P&O professional network. Services target employees, supervisors, HR professionals, practical trainers, and employers in the Dutch technical installation sector.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ArboTechniek: Arbo and safety related services under the Wij Techniek umbrella
• Vaksterk
• TeamWork

Products and services

• Vaksterk App A digital coaching mobile application for starters in the technical installation industry, designed to help newcomers develop professionally, stay connected to the profession, and support practical supervisors. Available free on iOS and Android.
• Training Werkplekbegeleider A two-day training course spread over two weeks for workplace supervisors who coach and guide apprentices during practical on-the-job assignments.
• Training Praktijkopleider A two-day professional development course for skilled workers responsible for training new professionals within their company, covering practical training plans, apprentice recruitment, and assessment skills.
• Training Grip Krijgen A two-session training for supervisors and guides on handling difficult behavior, cooperating better with colleagues, and motivating team members.
• Kennisnetwerk P&O (HR Knowledge Network) A regional HR professional network bringing together HR and P&O professionals from installation technology companies; five interactive sessions per year with guest speakers and peer learning, limited to 15 participants per regional group.
• Online Zij-instroomsessie (Side-entry Orientation Session) Free online information sessions for career changers exploring opportunities in the technical installation industry, including topic-specific sessions on heat pumps and career paths in technology.
• Wij Techniek TeamWork Servicepunt Regional labor market support helpdesk helping job seekers, employers, and chain partners with talent matching, side-entry trajectories, and career guidance in the installation technology sector; reachable by phone, WhatsApp, and email.
• Declaratie Systeem Online declaration system at declaraties.wij-techniek.nl for submitting expense claims and reimbursement requests for training and development costs, accessed with eHerkenning level 3 secure authentication.
• RI&E Tool (Risk Inventory and Evaluation) Digital risk inventory and evaluation tool for workplace safety assessments, operated under the ArboTechniek label and accessible via the Wij Techniek administrator account system.
• Werkplekleren (Workplace Learning) Workplace learning methodology and support service that helps installation companies implement learning cultures where employees develop new knowledge and skills directly on the job during daily tasks.
• Bouw aan de Toekomst (Build for the Future Advisory) Free custom business advisory trajectory for installation companies, providing professional guidance from development culture advisors to create action plans for company growth and employee development; 83% of participating companies achieve structural improvement.
• Vergoedingsregelingen (Reimbursement Schemes: RTI, STIP, OSR, EVC, Development Voucher) Portfolio of financial reimbursement schemes for affiliated employers and employees: RTI (up to €50,000 for sustainable technology training), STIP (€700 per 6 months per apprentice), OSR (€1,000 base + €100 per employee for professional development), EVC (€1,400 per competency recognition trajectory), and Development Voucher (€1,500 per employee for personal development).

Quantifiable outcome

• 83% of companies in the 'Bouw aan de toekomst' advisory program achieve structural improvement; over 250 companies have participated
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2025HvA is the lead institution (penvoerder) for the LLO-Puzzelstuk project, which develops rapid learning pathways for mbo and hbo career switchers in the construction and technical installation sectors. Funded by LLO-Katalysator (Ministry of OCW), the project runs until August 2027 in Noord-Holland and Gelderland.
• Bouwend NederlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2025Bouwend Nederland is the Dutch association for construction and infrastructure companies. As part of the LLO-Puzzelstuk consortium, it contributes to developing rapid learning pathways for career switchers into the construction and installation sectors.
• ROC AventuscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2025ROC Aventus is a regional vocational college in the Netherlands participating in the LLO-Puzzelstuk project, contributing expertise in mbo education and practical training development for career switchers.
• Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen (HAN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2025HAN participates in the LLO-Puzzelstuk project as part of the consortium developing rapid educational pathways for career changers entering the construction and installation sectors in Gelderland.
• SEECEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2025SEECE (Dutch expertise center for sustainable energy and climate) is part of the LLO-Puzzelstuk consortium, contributing knowledge on sustainable technology and energy transition skills needed in the installation sector.
• Het TransitiehuiscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2025Het Transitiehuis participates in the LLO-Puzzelstuk consortium, contributing to the development of rapid learning pathways for career switchers in the technical and construction sectors.
• CNVcoreOthersCNV is one of the major Dutch trade unions active in the metal and technical sector. As a social partner in the CAO for the installation industry, CNV co-governs Wij Techniek and participates in joint initiatives such as the Vaksterk app development and sector research.
• FNV MetaalcoreOthersFNV Metaal is a major Dutch trade union for metal and technical workers. It is a social partner in the installation industry CAO and co-governs Wij Techniek, contributing to initiatives like Vaksterk and sector-wide retention programs.
• De UniecoreOthersDe Unie is a Dutch trade union for metal and technical sectors. As a social partner in the installation CAO, De Unie participates in the governance of Wij Techniek and co-develops sector programs.
• NVKLcoreOthersNVKL is the Dutch industry association for refrigeration and climate technology (koeltechniek). It is a social partner in the installation CAO and collaborates with Wij Techniek on sector development, AD Engineering programs, and the LLO-Puzzelstuk project.
• Techniek NederlandcoreOthersTechniek Nederland is the leading Dutch industry association for installation companies. As a social partner in the CAO, it co-governs Wij Techniek and collaborates on programs including Vaksterk, the Techniekroute, and sector research.
• Dordrecht Academy / Hogeschool RotterdamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDordrecht Academy (a consortium of multiple universities of applied sciences) delivers the Associate Degree Engineering program in partnership with Hogeschool Rotterdam. NVKL and its member companies developed the Koude- en klimaattechniek specialization, while Fedet/FME contributed to the Elektrotechniek specialization. Wij Techniek supports the program as part of its educational outreach.
• SBB (Stichting Samenwerking Beroepsonderwijs Bedrijfsleven)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBB is the Dutch foundation for cooperation between vocational education (mbo) and business. It collaborates with Wij Techniek on the new mbo qualification structure for the installation industry, developing context profiles that connect education with practical industry needs.
• MBO RaadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe MBO Raad (MBO Council) represents mbo institutions in the Netherlands. It participates in the development of the new mbo qualification structure for the installation industry alongside SBB, Wij Techniek, Techniek Nederland, and NVKL.
• CINOPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCINOP is a Dutch research and consultancy organization conducting national and regional research to develop context profiles for the new mbo qualification structure. It investigates required content, stakeholder buy-in, and best methodologies for schools and businesses.
• Aanvalsplan Bouw, Energie en TechniekcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Aanvalsplan (Attack Plan) for Construction, Energy and Technology is a national initiative bringing together branch associations, trade unions, training and development funds, government, and regional partners to strengthen the technical labor market. The Techniekroute was developed within this framework and includes Wij Techniek, Bouwend Nederland, Techniek Nederland, and others.
• DCTerrasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerDCTerra is a technical training and education company in Emmen that collaborated with Hondsrug College on the Havo-MBO pilot program supported by Wij Techniek. The pilot enables havo students to access mbo technical education, reducing barriers between educational tracks and supporting technical talent development.
• BruissecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBruis conducted the qualitative 'Roadshow' research for Wij Techniek, interviewing starters and employers in the installation industry to understand retention factors and improve the Vaksterk starter program.
• KBA NijmegensecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKBA Nijmegen conducted research for Wij Techniek on youth turnover in the technical installation industry, providing data that informed the development of the Vaksterk digital coaching program.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen): Dutch government agency administering employee insurances and supporting job seekers. Partners with Wij Techniek's TeamWork Servicepunt on regional mobility projects and side-entry programs, but is not a competitor; it provides complementary public services.
• ROC van Amsterdam: Major Dutch regional vocational education (mbo) institution collaborating with Wij Techniek on apprenticeship pathways and curriculum development. Functions in an adjacent ecosystem role rather than direct competition.
• TNO: Dutch applied scientific research organization, an ecosystem partner of Wij Techniek on labor market research and skills forecasting. Not a direct competitor, but plays an adjacent role in producing the labor market data that informs Wij Techniek's strategic planning.

Broad incumbents

• Randstad Groep Nederland: Largest Dutch staffing and workforce solutions firm, offering broader HR services including talent matching, training, and workforce development. Overlaps with Wij Techniek on the talent-matching and side-entry functions delivered through TeamWork Servicepunt, but operates commercially across all sectors.
• ManpowerGroup: Global workforce solutions and staffing company with significant Dutch operations. Comparable to Wij Techniek on workforce development, training, and career mobility offerings, but operates across all industries and geographies as a commercial enterprise rather than a sectoral fund.
• Adecco Group: Global HR services firm with strong Dutch presence, providing staffing, workforce solutions, and training. Shares Wij Techniek's focus on connecting talent to employers and developing workforce capabilities, but serves all sectors commercially.

Direct peers

• OOM (Opleidings- en Ontwikkelingsfonds voor het Metaalbewerkingsbedrijf): Dutch sectoral O&O fund for the metalworking industry, operating under the same CAO-embedded, social-partner-governed model as Wij Techniek. Directly comparable in funding mechanism, subsidy administration, and workforce development mission, but focused on metalworking rather than installation.
• Opleidings- en Ontwikkelingsfonds Maritiem: Sectoral O&O fund for the Dutch maritime sector, applying the same CAO-embedded development fund model as Wij Techniek. Comparable in funding mechanism and stakeholder structure, though serving a different technical workforce.
• A+O fonds Metalektro: Dutch sectoral HR and development fund for the metalektro industry, governed jointly by social partners. Closely comparable to Wij Techniek in structure, mandate, and target audience (employers, employees, practical trainers), but serving the electrical and metal sector.
• Voltal Bouw: Training and development fund for the Dutch construction sector, established by Bouwend Nederland. Operates an analogous sectoral fund model with CAO-based contributions, subsidy programs, and training offerings, and increasingly overlaps with Wij Techniek on heat pump and energy transition skills.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@wijtechniek
• Facebookfacebook.com/wijtechniek
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wij-techniek
• Instagraminstagram.com/wij_techniek
• TikToktiktok.com/@wijtechniek
• Xx.com/wij_techniek

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wij Techniek