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What makes Brainport and West Brabant the regions for technical talent?

What makes Brainport and West Brabant the regions for technical talent?

2025

Rutger Bartelink
Performance & Recruitment manager

Would you like to know more? Let's meet!

Brainport and West Brabant are the two most important regions for high-tech, manufacturing and maintenance in the Netherlands. Technicians consistently find the highest demand, the broadest range of projects and the most career opportunities here. Knowledge, production and innovation come together in the southern Netherlands.

In brief

Why these regions are so strong:

  • Largest concentration of high-tech and R&D in the Netherlands

  • Powerful manufacturing industry with direct links to Rotterdam–Antwerp–Brainport

  • Structural demand for engineers, project managers, software and maintenance specialists

  • Employers who focus on training, innovation and sustainable production

  • Career advancement opportunities for entry-level, mid-level and senior engineers

Why is Brainport so attractive to engineers?

Brainport is the centre of the Dutch high-tech industry. Companies such as ASML, VDL, SPIE and DAF work here every day on technology that is used worldwide. This concentration of knowledge makes the region one of the strongest industrial ecosystems in Europe.

Why engineers find plenty of opportunities here

  • More than half of all private R&D investments in the Netherlands originate from Brainport.

  • Projects range from mechatronics and embedded systems to software, mechanical engineering and automotive development.

  • Companies are strongly committed to internal training programmes and career paths.

  • Collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences and specialist institutes ensures that new developments are quickly put into practice.

“At Brainport, everything revolves around learning through practice. Engineers here have the opportunity to work directly with the latest technologies.”— Marcel Hulsen, Account Manager Engineering & Operations

Why does West Brabant offer so many opportunities in the manufacturing industry?

West Brabant is the strong foundation underpinning the Dutch manufacturing and maintenance sector. Companies in Breda, Roosendaal, Bergen op Zoom, Etten-Leur and Moerdijk supply parts, machinery and maintenance services to virtually all major industries in the Netherlands.

cTogether with the port area, the region forms a link between Rotterdam, Antwerp and Brainport. This ensures a constant flow of logistical and technical assignments. Think of projects in mechanical engineering, maintenance, energy, process technology, food tech and sustainable production.

An important part of the region is Maintenance Valley: the cluster of companies, educational institutions and government bodies that focuses on the maintenance and life extension of industrial installations. There is a constant demand here for maintenance engineers, work planners and project leaders who want to contribute to the energy transition and circular production.

"West Brabant is a region where production and innovation go hand in hand. Actions speak louder than words, and that fits in perfectly with our technicians."— Paul Duquesnoy, Operational Manager

What does this mean for engineers who wish to work in these regions?

For engineers looking to build their careers, opportunities are literally up for grabs. Companies are not only looking for people to fill existing positions, but also for new roles created by automation, digitisation and sustainability.

From R&D engineers in Eindhoven to maintenance specialists in Moerdijk: demand continues to grow. Most employers also offer training budgets, mentoring programmes and career development opportunities. This means that within a few years, you can move from, for example, workshop to project management or from test engineer to team lead.

How does Trinamics leverage its position in these regions?

Trinamics has been active in the southern Netherlands for over 20 years, with offices in Eindhoven and Breda. This local presence ensures that we know exactly what is going on in technical companies. Our consultants talk to both employers and candidates on a daily basis, which gives them an understanding of where opportunities arise.

We work with companies in the high-tech, automotive, manufacturing, energy and maintenance sectors. This enables us to match engineers to projects that suit their knowledge, wishes and ambitions. Whether it's temporary assignments or permanent positions, our strength lies in knowing the market and the people behind it.

"We know the people behind the machines. That makes all the difference when it comes to finding a job that really suits someone." — Mark de Roode, Division Lead Engineering & Operations.

Where can you find the most technical vacancies in these regions?

Trinamics assists engineers in all disciplines with projects that align with their future plans.

How does Trinamics help engineers further their careers?

In addition to mediation, Trinamics offers guidance in orientation, job applications and personal development. Candidates gain insight into market trends, salary levels and career opportunities in their field. In this way, we help engineers not only to find a job, but to build a career in a region full of prospects.

"Trinamics had an impressive network and took the time to understand my skills and career goals. Thanks to their efforts, I was matched with a position that was a good fit for what I was looking for."— Cherry Tan, Production Planner, ASML

Frequently asked questions about Brainport and the West Brabant region

How much experience do you need to start working at Brainport?

Many companies are looking for mid-level and senior engineers, but there are also starter programmes within high-tech and mechatronics. Vocational college technicians can also enter assembly, testing and support engineering through practical projects.

As an MBO technician, can you progress to HBO/specialist positions in these regions?

Yes. Due to the strong training culture, many companies offer practice-based programmes in which MBO graduates can progress to engineering, specialist or project roles.

Which certifications are valuable for engineers in Brainport and West Brabant?

Frequently requested certifications include: VCA, NEN3140, Siemens/ABB PLC certificates, ATEX, Lean/Green Belt, and for high-tech: mechatronics modules, EPLAN, and embedded software training courses.

Are there many English-speaking technical positions in Brainport?

Yes. Many international teams work in high-tech and software. A large proportion of engineering positions are English-speaking, especially in Eindhoven.

Can you work at companies such as DAF or VDL without automotive experience?

Yes, if you have a solid foundation in mechanical engineering, mechatronics or electrical engineering. Many companies have internal training programmes for sector-specific knowledge.

Are there any technical roles that are most future-proof in these regions?

Yes. Roles in mechatronics, embedded systems, robotics, maintenance, energy, and process optimisation in particular continue to grow rapidly.

What career opportunities are there outside engineering, but still within technology?

Consider project management, quality-related roles, supply chain engineering, manufacturing engineering, and reliability.

Would you like to know which technical positions match your profile?

View the vacancies at Trinamics or contact a consultant in your region.

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