Long queues, exciting demonstrations and lots of music: despite the disappointing weather, the Marine Days in Den Helder were well attended today. As during previous editions, many day trippers combine a visit to Sail with a visit to the Marine Days. This is a good moment for Defense to present itself as an employer.
The sun didn’t show much today. “Really drizzling weather, but when it clears up soon, hopefully even more people will come,” says Yara Dormans, lieutenant at sea and who works at the recruitment department of the Navy.
And indeed, as soon as it clears up a bit, the public pours into the grounds in large numbers. There are long queues in front of the ships, but the organization was prepared for that: the Marine Band walks along the queues to entertain the public.
Watch the video to see how the atmosphere is good in the harbor on this Saturday despite the rain.
Many people come by to enjoy themselves and to experience the atmosphere on board the ten national and international naval ships. But the knife cuts both ways, says lieutenant commander Yara Dormans: “It’s nice to make young people enthusiastic about a job at the Ministry of Defence.”
Tight labor market
Just like in the rest of the Netherlands, Defense also has to deal with a tight labor market. The interest in the Marine Days therefore offers an excellent opportunity to draw attention not only to the equipment, but also to the work.
A great opportunity for Defense to present itself, Dormans also thinks: “We see many young people coming by with specific questions.” She hopes that interested parties will get a good insight into the work at the navy through the demonstrations on the water and the chance to look aboard the ships.