Beau is building the next generation of hydrogen experts at Jong NWBA

How Beau ended up at Jong NWBA

Beau came into contact with Jong NWBA through his work at New Energy CoalitionHe represents the organization in the Liquid Hydrogen Community. There, he heard initiator Tim Vianen give a short presentation, in which he also mentioned that he was the founder of Jong NWBA. "I thought then: what the hell is that?"

At a subsequent meeting, Beau asked further questions. He immediately liked the concept: a network that aims to inspire and engage young people in the hydrogen transition. Beau struck up a conversation with the board, which at the time consisted primarily of students. He shared his experiences as a working young professional and decided to join and help build the project.

What is Jong NWBA?

Jong NWBA is the youth wing of NWBA, the national hydrogen industry association. Jong NWBA focuses specifically on young people and aims to inspire, inform, and activate a new generation around hydrogen. They organize youth events ranging from "Hydrogen 101" to in-depth knowledge sessions.

The approach is deliberately broad. Jong NWBA focuses on high school students, university students, and young professionals. "If you want young people to enter the hydrogen sector, you really need to start inspiring them in high school," Beau explains. At the same time, he also sees opportunities among students and newcomers: people who are still searching, want to make changes, or are consciously choosing work with social impact.

A new generation in motion

As a board member, Beau focuses on strategy and direction: where Jong NWBA wants to go, how to expand the network, and how to ensure plans are actually executed. He also contributes to the development of connections with businesses, a crucial link, especially in a rapidly growing sector that needs people.

"We want young people not only to be informed, but also to be truly inspired. We want it to feel like it's something for their generation." According to him, that's precisely the key: young people don't connect with isolated facts or policy plans, but with a story they recognize themselves in.

That's why Jong NWBA is working on fostering a sense of community. The goal is to position hydrogen not as a niche technical topic, but as something young professionals and students want to be involved in, because it allows them to make an impact, meet interesting people, and be at the forefront of a rapidly evolving sector. Beau puts it with a wink, but with a serious undertone: "We want to create a kind of vibe that says: if you don't do anything with hydrogen, you're not cool."

The biggest challenge for hydrogen

When asked why he does this in addition to his work, Beau always comes back to one word: urgency. "One of the biggest challenges ahead is human capital; there's a shortage of staff for the hydrogen transition." According to Beau, the hydrogen transition isn't just a technical challenge. You also need people who will carry that transition forward. And those people will only arrive if you start early. "If you need people in five years, they need to start their training now."

Giving young people a voice in the transition

What appeals to Beau personally most is that Jong NWBA can eventually become a voice for young people in the sector. "You see in politics now that the voice of young people is less representative," he says. As Jong NWBA grows, Beau believes it can build more support with governments and politicians. "We want to be a voice for young people in the long term. Creating support, but also making their voices heard and heard."

His main insight? "That there's a lot of work to be done." But also: the energy is positive. Beau notices that almost everyone supports the idea of ​​involving young people. "I haven't heard anyone say it's a bad idea."

Hydrogen affects everyone

Beau emphasizes that hydrogen isn't just for "people in the sector." It will have a place in mobility, industry, and ultimately in everyday life. "Some people sit in a hydrogen bus every day and have no idea." Even if you don't end up working in this sector, he believes it's valuable to understand how the energy system is changing and what that means for the world you'll be living in.

His advice to other young professionals

Follow your heart. Be open to new things. You're still at the beginning of your life, make the most of it.

Are you a student, apprentice, or young professional interested in participating in Jong NWBA and building your network in hydrogen? Contact Beau!