Students from SJABI Puurs have won the fourth edition of Steel Warriors, the national welding competition for technical schools. The competition is an initiative of Belmetal, the federation of Belgian steel traders, and aims to highlight young technical talent in a sector facing a structural shortage of skilled workers.
The class from Puurs impressed the jury with a combination of technical precision, creativity, and strong teamwork during the construction of their metal train with Lego figures. As the grand prize, the school will receive the iron art sculpture Iron Fist by artist Maarten Schaubroeck.
“The steel and metal industry runs on craftsmanship, creativity, and teamwork — and that starts in our schools,” says Chetan Corten, Director of Belmetal. “We need more technical profiles. Young people like these students show that talent is not the problem — our job is to make it visible and create opportunities.”
The social impact of the initiative recently received additional recognition: the King Baudouin Foundation identified Steel Warriors as a leading example of labour market-oriented education, particularly because of the close collaboration between schools and industry. “That recognition confirms that investing in pride in the profession and in the image of technical education truly works,” adds Chetan.
The social impact of the initiative recently received additional recognition: the King Baudouin Foundation designated the Steel Warriors competition as a leading example of labour‑market‑oriented education, thanks in part to the close collaboration between schools and industry. “This recognition confirms that investing in visibility and pride in the craft truly helps reshape the image of technical education,” says Chetan.
“For us, steel is more than a subject — it is a passion,” says Mil Pluym, team captain of the winning class. “We are incredibly happy that the jury recognised this.”
Through Steel Warriors, Belmetal aims not only to spotlight young technical talent, but also to contribute to a stronger image for technical education and shortage occupations in Belgium.
Click here to learn more about the Steel Warriors competition.
