Stef
Stef is living proof that as a young professional, you’re in the right place at VDL ETG Almelo. After successfully completing his internship, he stayed on at VDL ETG Almelo. He quickly rose from graduate recruit to Factory Engineer and has now been working as a project manager for some time. So it's clear to see that having a 'can do' mentality and a willingness to jump in at the deep end will take you far at VDL.
Describe your role in 3 words
"Leadership, collaboration, and proactivity."
What is important within your position?
"As a project manager, I’m responsible for a project that involves making highly bespoke aluminium frames for our customer. This project involves implementing a stable production process in which we can deliver an agreed number of machines per year. As project manager, I am responsible for Quality, Logistics, Engineering, and Cost. To achieve that, I manage the project team, monitor progress, and take responsibility for communication with internal and external customers, and much more besides. We are currently working hard to make sure our processes are stable and optimized. I don't carry out that work myself, but I do hold discussions with the team to decide what we will work on and how we will approach it."
What do you enjoy about your work?
"Working with a young, ambitious team. Add to that 'jumping in at the deep end' and putting the 'can do' mentality that prevails at VDL ETG into practice. One of the major challenges you can face as a project manager, not least a newly appointed one, is working with a demanding customer. The pressure to deliver is high and the challenges are considerable, especially the technical ones. No wonder people say VDL ETG makes products that are almost unmanufacturable."
What has been the highlight of your career?
"I am proud to have the opportunity to work on a product as complex as this and that at such a young age, I already have a lot of responsibilities both within the project and also in the department where I work. The first delivery in a project really is a high point; I already experienced this as a Factory Engineer and experienced it again after that when working as a project manager!"
What advice would you give someone planning to apply for a job at VDL ETG?
"In my view, one of the plus points of VDL is that if you show you can handle responsibility and enjoy it, you may be given a lot of it. That in turn will help you progress quickly within the organization. There is also a good working atmosphere, which is partly due to the fact that the company not only employs a large number of young colleagues, but also experienced ones who have been in the business longer. Talk about a winning combination! The company also organizes a range of fun activities, such as the Cycle Tour, the Summer Party, and YVE activities. YVE stands for Young VDL Employee and was created to enthuse and foster company loyalty among young professionals in our organization. So if all this sounds attractive to you, I wouldn't hesitate to apply."