What exactly do you do at Signpost?
Ivo: "My role at Signpost is quite diverse, despite my formal title as a Process Manager. In practice, I wear multiple hats, serving as a trainer, sales person, and project coordinator. This combination allows me to remain at the forefront in the educational sector."
What does your day look like?
Ivo: "To be more specific, I am the go-to person for Google-related matters. I guide teachers and schools on the effective use of Google tools in the classroom, providing training sessions on topics such as Google Drive and Google Classroom. Additionally, I offer training for Microsoft products, such as interactive PowerPoint, OneNote Class Notebook, and technical training on unique tools like BoodWidgets, for which we are the exclusive partner, thanks to the certified trainers at Fourcast. Did you know that Fourcast is the first and exclusive partner authorised to give these training sessions?
My background as a former informatics teacher and ICT coordinator reflects my great interest in the technical aspects of education. Even in my free time, I'm an early adopter of new tools and enjoy staying up-to-date with tech trends. This blend of tech-savviness and a passion for education drives my work.
In addition to providing training, a significant portion of my time is devoted to sales. I listen to the needs of schools and teachers, recommend solutions to help them, and witness their digital growth. Our ultimate goal is to make the job of educators more efficient through digital tools (like digital tests), while ensuring students aren't glued to laptops for hours on end."
How did you end up working at Signpost?
Ivo: "In 2021, I had been working as an ICT coordinator and teacher for about a decade. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Fourcast was looking for a trainer to conduct Google training sessions in French. I saw an opportunity in this and decided to give it a try. There was an instant connection with Fourcast, and what started as a single session quickly turned into more sessions and content creation. Over time, Fourcast and I explored how we could collaborate further, and I made the decision to work full-time for them. To this day, I have no regrets about that decision.
Recently, Fourcast joined the Signpost Group, and what attracted me to this organisation was the dynamism within it. While they might not always express it externally, being rather humble, I firmly believe that the passion for education at Signpost should be more visible."
What are your interests besides work?
Ivo: "At home, I'm a devoted family man. Much of my spare time is spent with my two sons, aged 19 and 15, and my wife. One of my sons is into table tennis, and although I'm not involved in the training aspect, I manage all the practical elements, including coordinating with trainers, administration, and scheduling.
I also serve on the board for 'Woonhaven,' the largest housing association in Antwerp. This role takes me out of my comfort zone and provides a sense of fulfilment due to its social relevance.
Beyond these commitments, I have a strong interest in film, music (it's always playing in the background, as my colleagues and family can confirm), books, English comedy, and everything related to computers and technology. I love experimenting with home automation, networking, 3D printing, and various tech-related projects in my free time."