About Rick van Echtelt
Rick van Echtelt is the Co-Founder and CEO of AG5, where he leverages over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship and developing skills management software. Passionate about innovation and creating new business models, Rick thrives on empowering his team to achieve their full potential. He played a pivotal role in establishing the first skills matrix software for the Dutch safety regions, demonstrating his ability to merge technology with critical public services while ensuring seamless and impactful implementation.
Prior to founding AG5, Rick established N200, where he honed his skills in the software sector and gained invaluable experience in strategic business growth. He now uses that expertise to guide AG5 Skills Management Software toward industry leadership by developing cutting-edge solutions for skills and compliance management.
Rick holds an academic background in Business and Economics from Nyenrode Business University and Inholland University of Applied Sciences. His solid educational foundation complements his extensive professional acumen.
Beyond leading the AG5 team, Rick is a dedicated advocate for tech-driven social initiatives that drive positive change. He enjoys exploring emerging technological trends, fostering innovative thinking within his network, and advocating for solutions that combine technological advancement with meaningful societal impact.
193 articles published by this author
Tribal knowledge in manufacturing: Capturing critical skills before they walk out the door
Tribal knowledge walks out the door when experts leave. What it is, why it’s risky, and a framework...
16.07.2026 | 7 min read
Cross-training employees in manufacturing: The multiskilling playbook
Cross-training builds a versatile, resilient workforce. Plan multiskilling with a cross-training matrix and roll it out on the...
13.07.2026 | 7 min read
Competency assessment: Methods, process, and a free template
A competency assessment evaluates skills, knowledge, and behaviors against role requirements. Compare methods and follow a 5-step process.
09.07.2026 | 7 min read
Training needs analysis (TNA): how to find the training your workforce actually needs
A training needs analysis pinpoints the skills your workforce is missing so you train the right people on...
07.07.2026 | 7 min read
Digital competency management
Paper records and spreadsheets stop coping at scale. Digital competency management runs the whole process in connected software,...
17.06.2026 | 5 min read
Competency-based performance management
Traditional reviews ask whether someone hit their targets. Competency-based performance management asks a sharper question: can this person...
12.06.2026 | 7 min read
How to implement competency management in your business
An auditor asks who’s signed off to run the line, and you have an hour to prove it....
08.06.2026 | 13 min read
What is a skills inventory? How to build one that reflects reality
A skills inventory is only useful if it reflects reality, and most don’t. This guide covers what a...
30.04.2026 | 7 min read
Learning and Development Strategy: A Practical Guide for 2026
A learning and development strategy is not a training schedule. It is a business case for closing specific...
28.04.2026 | 9 min read