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The Centre for Science and Culture aims to reach the widest possible audience with public engagement activities. But these public engagement activities are always organised and carried out by colleagues and students from Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��, and we wanted to change that.

So we started working together with students from the Event Academy (part of MBO Utrecht, secondary vocational education). They helped behind the scenes at Betweter Festival and Science Weekend and gained practical experience.

Some students initially had a stereotypical idea of science. “My image of science was of those glass bottles that liquids come out of,” student Shania Swijnenburg reveals. For student Sandro Canais, it was different: “I like science and I like to learn. Many things I barely understand I try to understand, like things from outer space. I liked the role of floor manager at the Science Weekend. This was the most fun
event I have worked at so far. I also really liked the researchers.”

Brody Rhemrev is a coordinator at MBO Utrecht and explains why the cooperation went well: “I see it as an example for my students. During these events, they get to know students from different studies, which is nice. Besides, it’s nice they do their part to highlight science.” The cooperation has worked out well for both parties, and in 2024 the mbo students will again be involved at Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� events.

Brody Rhemrev is coordinator at EventLab, the Event Academy’s apprenticeship company at MBO Utrecht

Sandro Canais and Shania Swijnenburg study at the Event Academy at MBO Utrecht

Text: Babs van den Born