Aurelio
Aurelio is an experienced metalworker with over 30 years in the profession. He began his career at the Philips Training Centre, where he trained in metal engineering. As a bander, he completed his diploma and learned all about machining. For a few years now, he has been working in the Tig Welding Micro Orbital department, where he puts his excellent hand-eye coordination and perfectionism to good use. This year, his craftsmanship even earned him a nomination for the Noordhof Prize.
Describe your role in 3 words
"Stimulating, innovative, and fascinating. We work on the latest products that play a key part in technological developments. Due to challenging nature of the work, the day always goes by quickly.''
What is important within your position?
"TWMO welding (micro-orbital Tig welding) is very advanced work. You need to have good hand-eye coordination and be a perfectionist. It is very precise work because the products we make are generally small parts used in the semiconductor industry, amongst others. The lowest we weld is about 5.5 amps and the highest is 100 amps, about two tenths of a millimetre above the product. The work we carry out is often in small series; the largest series we handle is about 40 pieces. That means that there's a great deal of variety in your work."
What do you enjoy about your work?
''I have been working in the TWMO department at VDL ETG since 2006. I really enjoy working here and am very dedicated to my work. In the beginning, I was the only one in the department, but we now work as a highly motivated team of four. We also get along very well. My colleagues are one of the most important factors behind my job satisfaction. Besides, we learn a lot from each other; more heads are definitely better than one!"
What has been the highlight of your career?
"I am very proud to have been nominated for the Noordhof Prize and it’s nice for my work to be recognized in that way. The award ceremony was a special event and my whole family got to come and celebrate it with me. For the past two years, I have also been cooperating foreman in the TWMO and ARLA (stainless steel welding) department. This is an honourable position that gives me a lot of responsibility. I am there to support my 10 colleagues and make sure production runs smoothly, but am also part of the production team myself. That is also one way to make sure that there’s still some variety in my work. I really enjoy my job and it's a great feeling to be able to support my colleagues and help them do the very best that they can."
What advice would you give someone planning to apply for a job at VDL ETG?
"At VDL ETG, you can learn a lot, whatever your position. They provide many opportunities to grow and improve yourself, but you have to be proactive and show interest. If you’re looking for a place where you can work hard, learn new things, and see results, VDL ETG is a good choice."