Empowering Tomorrow's Engineers: Bart Tyskens' Development Program Journey
In 2021, IGW introduced the IGW Development Program for Young Engineers. This program gives young engineers the chance to kick-start their career at IGW by being immerged in the IGW world and tackling various projects across the global IGW plants in lightning speed. The program offers the opportunity to get to know the ins and outs of the company, to travel the world and become a part of the IGW DNA themselves. An example of how the program enables chances, is one of our first young potentials; Bart Tyskens.
As one of the BMT Group's plants is making the change from VCST China to IGW China. This change comes with some structural changes, creating the need for knowledge sharing and integrating new processes. After being offered the opportunity, Bart moved to China for an extended period of time to be part of this structural change. He is taking on a lead role to define the new workflow in the plant. We sat down with him and asked him about his experiences so far.
Interview with Bart Tyskens
Q: Bart, it's great to have you here today. Could you share with us your experience of being a part of IGW's Young Engineers Program and your journey so far?
A: Thank you for having me. It's been an incredible journey with IGW. The program gave me the chance to fully immerse myself in different projects across IGW's global plants, and now, I find myself being part a major project in China.
Q: That's fantastic to hear. How do you see this opportunity in comparison to the road you've taken so far in IGW?
A: The principle remains the same, but there are notable differences. In Belgium for example, I joined a team of product engineers with a dedicated workflow, whereas here in China the IGW workflow is still in the pipeline. As a local representative for IGW, supported by a dedicated team based in the other plants, it is our task to define this workflow. It's been a steep learning curve with several responsibilities, but the opportunities for growth have been incredible.
Q: It sounds like quite the adventure. Can you tell us more about the support you've received, both professionally and personally, during your time in China?
A: Absolutely. Language barriers were initially a challenge, but I've received tremendous support. Laurent (a colleague in the plant), for instance, has been instrumental in bridging the gap linguistically. Additionally, I've had the privilege of learning from experienced colleagues like Tom from VCST, who provided invaluable tips and tricks.
Q: As you reflect on your journey, what are some key goals you've set for yourself during your time in China?
A: One of my main goals is to fully embrace this experience — to soak in the culture, explore the region, and, of course, contribute meaningfully to the project. I'm focused on sharing my expertise regarding gear wheels I obtained during the development program, and training local colleagues to take on product engineering responsibilities.
Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to new recruits joining IGW's Young Engineers Program, based on your own experiences and lessons learned?
A: My advice would be to prioritize building social connections, inside and outside of work, remain open to new experiences, and remember to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It's also crucial to take the time to familiarize yourself with the shop floor and get to know your colleagues. Don't let performance pressure overwhelm you; instead, focus on continuous learning and growth.
Thank you, Bart, for sharing your experiences. We wish you all the best during your time in China!