Vocational training programme student
“I am currently enrolled in a vocational training program, which means I attend school one day a week. I can immediately put what I learn at school into practice at VDL. I am learning a tremendous amount, including things that are not necessarily related to metal, such as controlling robots. It is really cool to be given more and more responsibility. I want to learn more about the environment in which I work, what products there are, and what it takes to make them. My education helps me of course, but working in practice is especially helpful for me. It would be nice if I could become the best metalworker at VDL someday. It's okay to dream, right?"
It is okay to make mistakes
“The products I make have to be of really high quality, because the end product has to be 100% safe. That is a big responsibility. So I sometimes ask my colleagues for help. The great thing is that they always help me and make time for me. And I do not have to be afraid of making mistakes. I am always allowed to try something and get all the help I need. I think it is very special that you get that responsibility as an trainee, and I really appreciate it. It allows me to develop very well. I started in production, but now I can also control robots. That's actually an operator's job. It is great that there is so much confidence in my abilities. My supervisor Cor is also very proud. He sees a great career for me at VDL.”
New robots
“VDL is modernizing and automating. That affects my work. For example, new machines and robots are being introduced, which make the work easier and more enjoyable. We will soon be able to focus even more on product quality. That means we will be moving to another location with all those new robots. There, we will be able to produce even more, as the machines will not have to stand still. For my job, this means I will be multitasking instead of focusing on a single task. That seems quite exciting to me, but fortunately I am receiving excellent guidance. So I am confident that I will be able to enjoy working there too.”