Floris van Eeuwijk Lascoördinator

Since I was little, I have been fascinated by sci-fi and technology; films like Star Wars have always interested me. So after my Applied Psychology studies, I found out this didn't quite suit me and made a career switch to the metal industry. I started with TIG welding and progressed to welding coordinator at VDL Industrial Modules.

Working and learning in a high-tech environment

Within welding, I was able to obtain several diplomas and certificates. This can be combined with working 4 days at VDL and going to school 1 day, for example. Besides learning at school, at work I am involved in new techniques in the welding industry. Laser welding, for example. A new technique that is rapidly emerging within the Dutch welding industry. We also use techniques such as AI and robots that can increasingly work and think independently. 

Experience

I like to combine what I learnt on my courses directly in practice. Every Thursday I went to school, every Friday I tried to apply what I had learned in our welding shop. From the moment I finished my studies, I was appointed welding coordinator, where I also received a lot of support from experienced welding coordinators at from other VDL companies. They were keen to help me on my way in my new position.  This I had not expected and was very nice, gave me the idea that I was not immediately thrown into the deep end and could adjust smoothly to my new position.

A multicultural team

At VDL, we work with a diverse team of employees of various nationalities. The advantage of this is that you can learn different working methods and approaches that can work . Besides working, there is often time for a  joke and a cup of coffee. There is regular contact and consultation between the various departments; despite being a fairly large company, everyone knows each other. This means that there is still an informal atmosphere and you quickly get to know people from other departments.