Career in Fifth Gear
Mohamed started as an E-plant designer, but he soon realized that the silence of the office did not suit his need for interaction and practice. He combined his job with a bachelor’s degree in electromechanics and training to become a prevention advisor level 2 and 1.
Completing a thesis and final project at the same time? For Mohamed, it was daily fare. His social life was put on hold, but the reward was great: broad expertise and a solid foundation for a career in safety and prevention.
Beveren Tunnel: Pilot Project with No Room for Tunnel Vision
With the renovation of the Beveren Tunnel, built in the 70s and 80s, Flanders gets a project of national importance. Within fifteen months, an outdated passage must transform into a state-of-the-art tunnel that exceeds all European standards. Three disciplines – infra, civil, and electromechanics – work together as if they had never been competitors.
“This project is more than concrete and cables,” Mohamed explains. “We are setting a new standard in tunnel safety here.” Automatic incident detection, intelligent ventilation systems, and integrated communication tools should ensure that the Beveren Tunnel will soon be the safest in Flanders.
European Lessons, Flemish Application
The disaster in the Mont Blanc tunnel in 1998, in which 39 people died, has been a turning point in European safety standards. The Flemish tunnel guideline translates those lessons into our context. The fact that the Beveren Tunnel is the first full pilot project is attracting international interest: both Rijkswaterstaat from the Netherlands and delegations from the United Kingdom have already come to gain inspiration.
Safety Without Patronizing
What characterizes Mohamed is his people-oriented approach. “Treating adults as adults,” he says. No blindly ticking off checklists, but clear communication and respect for the knowledge of the people on the floor. Yet he remains sharp: working in confined spaces or at height remains deadly dangerous. The figures in Belgium (an average of 30 fatal accidents per year due to working at height) leave no doubt about that.
Netwerk as a constant
The collaboration with Netwerk is a common thread throughout Mohamed’s career. From junior electromechanical technician in 2003 to consultant on an international project twenty years later: the bond remained. “At Netwerk, you immediately feel that the welcome is authentic, not the ‘fake friendliness’ that you sometimes see elsewhere. That makes a world of difference.”
Looking ahead
Traveling to Asia, South America, and Africa taught him to put things into perspective and appreciate what we often take for granted in Western Europe. Seizing opportunities is important, but also accepting that some choices only mature later in your life. “I have no regrets about the timing. Everything comes at the moment you are ready for it.”
And the Beveren Tunnel? The first part has been completed, the second will follow in October 2025. Flanders will have a safer passage, and Mohamed Loutfi proves once again that his career knows no place for tunnel vision.
For the Netgazet, we spoke with Mohamed during a “normal” interview. At the table, with fixed microphones. A good chat and an hour later the podcast was ready.
But! Just before the newspaper was about to be published, we received a phone call: whether we would like to come and see the tunnel. Because it would be delivered the next day. With photographer and audio material, we went to the Beveren Tunnel and we don’t want to withhold that tour from you. Enjoy!
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Cool project?
Would you like to work on such a cool project after reading this article?
Then contact Carine and discuss your future career together!
Carine Joosen
carine@netwerkgroup.com
+32 483 76 60 32
