Robin Kwakkel: young engineer with a passion for precision

Robin Kwakkel, 17 years old, has been interning in our cleanroom for several weeks now. A deliberate choice by an enthusiastic and driven technical talent in the making. Robin studies Mechatronics at Deltion College in Zwolle and sees a future full of opportunities in the world of technology—preferably on the mechanical side. We spoke with her about her experiences, motivations, and dreams.

“I basically grew up in the garage, fixing stuff.” Robin’s passion for technology was sparked early. “Ever since I was little, we’ve always been tinkering in the garage at home—fixing things, building things, repairing what’s broken. It’s just part of our life. I love making something out of nothing, or getting something broken to work again. That really gives me a kick.”

From the garage to the cleanroom At school, Robin deliberately chose the technical path, even though her previous education was mostly theoretical. “My younger brother also went to Oostenlicht in Elburg and did a more practical route. His class once visited Mogema and he came back super excited. That stuck with me.”

Now she’s interning in the cleanroom—quite the contrast from the oily garage. “It was a bit intimidating at first, the suit, the hygiene rules... But you get used to it quickly. At home I’m covered in grease, and here everything has to be spotless. Two completely different worlds!”

Engineering is cool—even when it demands precision Robin is clear about her first few weeks: “I really like it here. The team is fun too! I thought it would be harder, but once you get the hang of it, it’s totally manageable. Though you do have to be really precise. It has to be perfect. There’s no room for ‘almost right.’ You feel that pressure, even as an intern.”

Biggest challenge? Perfectionism. For Robin, the biggest challenge is the level of precision required in the cleanroom. “For example, when you’re inserting helicoils, everything has to line up perfectly. It’s checked of course, but you want to get it right yourself. Because if something goes wrong, the consequences can be serious.”

Would she recommend this internship to others? “Definitely,” Robin says enthusiastically. “Everything is really well organized, the team is great, and you learn so much. And this is just the cleanroom! There’s also welding, turning... You really get the chance to discover what suits you.”

Autocross, engine blocks, and screwdrivers What does Robin do in her free time? No Netflix or TikTok, but working on her autocross car. “I replace engine blocks, gearboxes... I love working with my hands. Tech is just my thing.”

Future plans? Can she see herself working in a cleanroom later on? “Maybe, if it stays challenging. But first I want to see and learn a lot more. Ideally, I’d love to work somewhere that combines everything—a bit of welding, turning, hooking up electronics… That would be the best.”

What makes a successful internship day? “When I finish something, when I’ve done something right. That gives me a sense of satisfaction. Recently, we had a project where the vacuum in the oven wasn’t holding. They solved it, but I just missed it. Such a shame! Those are the moments you really feel proud.”

Robin is living proof that tech isn’t just for boys—and definitely not boring. With her passion, commitment and curiosity, she’s a fantastic example for other students who are still unsure about choosing a technical path.