System architect training in collaboration with TVVL

The Building Automation trade association, in collaboration with TVVL, has now organized the post-HBO System Architect Building Automation and Management course three times. A total of 46 participants have now completed the training and the fourth group of a maximum of 16 participants will start in October. Two former participants Rudy Jansen and Martin Douwes talk about what they thought of this training.

Martin and Rudy look back positively on the system architect training. Martin: 'We received a lot of information, had discussions, played role plays and received a clear explanation of the course material. It was a very educational and fun, enjoyable period for me.' The training has also benefited Rudy a lot: 'Not everything is applicable to me, but I am happy that I followed this training, because I have learned a number of things. Especially in the ICT field.'

Martin continues: 'The idea was to develop myself more across the entire spectrum. By following this course, my developments have been greater and more effective than I thought. In particular, the view on problems has changed drastically. A technician usually goes into depth immediately, but it is better to first analyze the problem and then make an improvement plan with those involved. This results in greater comfort, sustainability and profit in the long term.'

Because the training is so comprehensive, in addition to the 15 days of lessons, participants also receive preparatory assignments and syllabi to take home. This means you will still have to spend a few hours on self-study at home. Rudy: 'Although the training was quite a burden in addition to my daily work, participation was certainly worth it for me.' Martin agrees: 'In the beginning it certainly took some getting used to. A lot is asked of you. The independence you need for this course is great, especially considering the course material to be studied and the assignments to be completed. In the beginning I always needed a few days to recover from all the information, the assignments that had been handled, to think about my assignments and how I could and should do it better next time.'

The training is structured around 3 main themes; (1) building management and ICT, (2) methodologies and skills and (3) installation techniques for integration into building automation. Soft skills such as negotiation, communication and persuasion are an important part of the training. Martin thought the Soft Skills were very good: 'The teacher teaches in such a way that it really remains interesting and educational all the time. You immediately feel at ease and everyone speaks in a very open way about their problems or character traits. I thought this was very nice to see within the group. The solutions, mirroring yourself, characters, it is very close to everyday life. The teaching method gave me many answers to questions that had been bothering me for a long time.' Rudy agrees with Martin's positive feeling: 'This part was fun and gave me insight into how people viewed me, but it was not the most educational for me. For me, that was really the ICT and networking part and the way you look at a project.' Martin finds another part worth mentioning: 'It may sound strange, but I found the part in which you learn to keep an overview from above surprisingly educational. I always thought of myself as already doing that. After a number of lessons this turned out to be the case, but my 'view' was not yet high enough above practice. This simply means you cannot make correct analyzes or plans yet.'

The important question, of course, is whether the training is relevant to practice. Both gentlemen agree on this. Rudy in particular is very enthusiastic about the ICT component of the training: 'I can now sit at the table with an ICT specialist as a discussion partner, while I previously found that more difficult.' Martin explains his enthusiasm with a practical example: 'Thanks to the training, I now know how to better approach a customer and in which situation and how you can offer a solution. For example, in the case of a major problem for a customer (spread over several floors), I first made an inventory and then an action plan in collaboration with this customer. The result was a major adjustment on every floor. For me, this means that the customer gets what he actually wants, even if he did not know in advance exactly what that would entail. I gained this insight partly through the methods provided in the training.'

Both Rudy and Martin highly recommend the training to potential participants. They agree that the training requires a lot of time and energy, but it is certainly worth it. Martin: 'You have to be and think 100% honestly about yourself. Does the course match what you (really) want to achieve? My development has accelerated and I clearly experience this in practice. Add to this the benefits of the training and my final goal has been amply achieved.' Rudy especially recommends the training if you are also involved in the initial phase of a project: 'In my current position I am in the preliminary phase and not in the implementation. I apply some of the material on a daily basis, but to say that I work entirely as a system architect is a bit too much.'

Martin concludes with a look back at his time at TVVL and the system architect training; 'I have been in contact with various TVVL teachers several times. In all cases, the willingness to help me as a student was 100%. The discussions and 'normal' talking with fellow students are also worth their weight in gold. It is great fun to participate in these discussions and hear what people are doing and in what way. There is enormous mutual respect.'

You can read more information about the System Architect Building Automation and Management course on the TVVL website.  On the TVVL website it is also possible to register for the course that starts on October 4, 2019. You can also send an email to Martin Hof.