At Chane, Learning & Development is entering an exciting new phase. With the introduction of a new learning platform and the development of a broader Maintenance training programme, the company is creating a learning environment that better reflects day-to-day operations, prepares for future workforce needs, and supports long-term employability. For Geeske Steeneken, who leads Learning & Development at Chane, it’s about much more than simply transferring knowledge. It’s about shaping behaviour, strengthening safety, and creating a culture where people never stop learning. “We’ve built a solid foundation. Now it’s about moving from good to better, and ultimately to excellent.”
“Growth isn’t just about moving up. Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from growing sideways.”
A Learning environment that grows with the business
Four and a half years ago, Chane began building a dedicated Learning & Development strategy. The ambition was clear: to create an environment where people can continue learning throughout their careers, both formally and informally, in the classroom and on the job.
Today, that foundation is firmly in place. The next step is making learning even more accessible and engaging through a new, user-friendly platform that is designed to support an international workforce.This matters because many of Chane’s colleagues work outdoors rather than behind a desk. Learning therefore needs to be intuitive, practical, and easy to access whenever it’s needed. “The navigation should feel a bit like booking a trip,” Geeske explains. Learning at Chane takes many different forms. Alongside digital learning, employees benefit from classroom training, on-the-job coaching, terminal instructors, virtual reality, and hands-on simulations. This blended approach ensures that safety and technical expertise are not confined to theory. Instead, they become part of everyday practice.
Broadening skills for a more agile workforce
Alongside the new platform, Chane is developing a new training programme in Maintenance and Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I). The initiative addresses the growing shortage of technical professionals across the industry while creating new career opportunities for existing employees.
Importantly, this programme isn’t simply another step up the career ladder. Instead, it encourages employees to broaden their expertise by developing new skills across different disciplines. For Geeske, that’s exactly what meaningful career development looks like. “I’m a strong believer in encouraging people to explore opportunities across the organisation and continue developing in the areas where they excel. Growth doesn’t have to be vertical.” Building broader capabilities benefits everyone. Employees who understand terminal operations and expand their technical knowledge become more versatile. This makes the organisation more resilient and better equipped to respond to changing operational demands. At the same time, it helps employees remain employable in a rapidly evolving labour market.
One of the programme’s most valuable aspects is that employees will have the opportunity to earn recognised qualifications while they work. Learning becomes something tangible and fully integrated into everyday practice. It is not something separate from the job.
From knowledge to behaviour and culture
According to Geeske, the next challenge goes beyond teaching new skills. It’s about embedding learning into the way people work every day. Managers have an important role to play, but so does the organisation as a whole. “Learning & Development helps drive our ‘Keep Learning’ mindset. But learning isn’t the responsibility of L&D alone. Just as safety isn’t only the responsibility of our HSEQ department.”
By taking this approach, Chane continues to build a culture where curiosity, ownership, and safety go hand in hand. It’s about equipping people with the skills they need today while ensuring the organisation remains agile, resilient, and ready for whatever tomorrow brings.