On December 10, 2025, two Dutch cities—Veenendaal and Maassluis—shone a bright spotlight on the unsung heroes of education and training. From the bustling halls of technical installation companies to the nurturing classrooms of primary schools, educators and mentors were celebrated for their extraordinary commitment to shaping the next generation. These recognitions not only honored individual excellence but also underscored the crucial role of mentorship, societal involvement, and community spirit in education today.
In Veenendaal, Bernie van Harn stood out among 23 finalists to be named ‘TopCoach of the Year 2025’ in the large company category during a lively award ceremony at the Utrecht Jaarbeurs. According to Wij Techniek, the organization behind the award, this accolade is no small feat. Each year, hundreds of practice supervisors from across the Netherlands are nominated by students and colleagues alike, with only three ultimately ascending to the winners’ podium—one for each business category: large company, SME, and training company.
The jury, comprised of experts in the technical installation field, was particularly struck this year by the societal engagement of the nominees. Bernie van Harn, who has dedicated 38 years to construction company BAM, exemplifies this spirit. He started as a trainee mechanic straight out of vocational school and steadily rose through the ranks, taking on roles as a service mechanic, inspector, advisor, and now, practice supervisor. Today, van Harn mentors more than 30 students—mostly aspiring mechanics aged 16 to 20—guiding them through rigorous work-study programs that blend four days a week at a company with one day at school. This approach, the jury noted, helps young people not only master technical skills but also develop the social competencies essential for professional success.
But it’s not just van Harn’s technical expertise that sets him apart. The jury highlighted his deep societal commitment, pointing to his volunteer work with the police and his role as a role model well beyond his professional responsibilities. As the jury put it, van Harn is “someone with a great sense of social responsibility who is a role model in caring for others, both at work and outside it.”
This year’s award theme, ‘The Power of Attention; seeing and being seen,’ was chosen to emphasize the importance of an optimal learning environment and the cultivation of social skills. According to Katinka Kensen, director of Wij Techniek, “The sector is eager for new skilled workers who can tackle major societal challenges such as the energy transition and the housing shortage. Good guidance is the key to retaining young, technical talent, especially since dropout rates are highest in the first two years.”
Van Harn shared the winners’ platform with Meindert Engberts from Middenbeemster and Kevin Broer from Ridderkerk, who took top honors in the SME and training company categories, respectively. All three were singled out for their efforts to promote technical careers, inclusivity, and civic safety—not just within their companies, but in the broader community as well.
Meanwhile, in Maassluis, the Onderwijsprijs Maassluis 2025 celebrated the passion and perseverance of educators across three categories: childcare, primary education, and secondary education. The awards, presented by alderwoman Denise Mulder at the winners’ workplaces, were the culmination of a rigorous selection process led by a five-member jury chaired by Mayor Jack de Vries. The jury sifted through dozens of heartfelt nominations, each accompanied by moving testimonials about the nominees’ impact on their students and colleagues.
In the childcare category, Nian Shafik, a pedagogical employee at UN!EK, was honored for her “genuine involvement with children, colleagues, and parents.” Shafik’s dual role as both an after-school care leader and an education assistant allows her to serve as a “natural bridge between education and care,” said the jury. Her warmth and dedication have made her an indispensable presence in the lives of children and families in Maassluis.
For primary education, the award went to Manon de Groot, a teacher at IKC De Groene Hoek. De Groot was praised for her ability to create “connection and togetherness among young students by actively involving them in lessons about past events.” The jury was effusive: “Everyone deserves a teacher like Manon, a true star in her field. She truly sees her students and helps them reach a higher level.”
In the secondary education category, Ruud Pijper, a Dutch teacher at Lentiz Reviuslyceum, was singled out for his clear explanations and unwavering support for students. According to the jury, Pijper not only makes learning accessible but also “is always there for his students, even when he isn’t their mentor. He thinks proactively, offers a listening ear, and helps students navigate difficult conversations with other teachers.”
An honorary mention was given to Cora Kloet, a retired English teacher who continues to provide much-appreciated tutoring at Lentiz Reviuslyceum. The jury noted, “It’s wonderful to see someone who is already retired remain so involved with her students.” Kloet’s ongoing commitment earned her a bouquet of flowers and the admiration of the entire school community.
Winners of the Onderwijsprijs Maassluis received the ‘Koppoter,’ a statuette designed by local artist Ans van der Wiel. The artwork, inspired by how children draw people, symbolizes the beginning of human development—a fitting tribute to those who nurture young minds at the start of their educational journey.
These awards, whether in the technical workshops of Veenendaal or the classrooms of Maassluis, highlight a simple truth: effective education and mentorship require more than expertise alone. They demand patience, empathy, and a willingness to go the extra mile—both for students and for society at large. As communities across the Netherlands continue to grapple with challenges like the energy transition and housing shortages, the need for new generations of skilled, socially conscious professionals has never been greater. The stories of Bernie van Harn, Nian Shafik, Manon de Groot, Ruud Pijper, and Cora Kloet serve as powerful reminders of what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity.
With every lesson taught and every student guided, these educators and mentors are not just shaping careers—they’re helping to build a stronger, more connected society, one learner at a time.
