FMV Industry Night at KU Leuven: where talent and opportunities meet
On 19th of November 2026, Flanders Metals Valley (FMV) held its annual Industry Night at KU Leuven, the 4th edition. This event brought together some of the brightest young graduates and leading companies in the metal industry for an evening of insightful pitches, engaging conversations, and networking. With representatives from InsPyro, Umicore, Aurubis, Nyrstar, Sweco, and Aluminium Duffel, the night was all about showcasing the exciting career paths available in our sector and connecting talent with opportunity.
Why This Event Matters
At Flanders Metals Valley, we believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of nurturing the next generation of professionals. The European metals industry is evolving rapidly, driven by innovation, sustainability, circularity and digital transformation. Events like the FMV Industry Night are crucial in highlighting the career opportunities available to young graduates—opportunities that not only offer professional growth but also the chance to contribute to a more sustainable and circular future.
A Night of Insight and Inspiration
The evening kicked off with short, powerful pitches from each of the six participating companies. Representatives shared their unique company cultures, the impactful projects they’re working on, and why graduates should consider building their careers with them. From graduate programs to hands-on roles in cutting-edge technologies, the pitches painted a vivid picture of what it’s like to work in the metal industry today.
Networking: Where Connections Spark
After the pitches, the atmosphere shifted to a lively networking reception with drinks and bites. This was the perfect opportunity for students to engage directly with company representatives, ask questions, and explore potential career paths. The energy in the room was palpable—conversations flowed, business cards were exchanged, and new connections were made. For many students, this was their first step toward a future in the metal industry.
Why Choose a Career in the Metal Industry?
The FMV Industry Night underscored the many reasons why the metal industry is an exciting place to build a career:
- Innovation: From digitalization to sustainable production, the industry is at the forefront of technological advancements.
- Impact: Working in metals means contributing to solutions for global challenges, such as climate change and resource efficiency.
- Growth: Companies in the metal sector invest heavily in their employees, offering robust training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement.
Looking Ahead
Flanders Metals Valley is committed to continuing these conversations and fostering connections between talent and industry. We want to thank KU Leuven for hosting this event, our six participating companies for their inspiring presentations, and all the students and graduates who joined us for an unforgettable evening.
If you’re looking for an R&D, engineering, management or other job in metallurgy, keep an eye on our Job Board. And of course, we look forward to welcoming our members and their representatives on one of our upcoming events. Our 2026 calendar is taking shape, so keep an eye on our events page!
