In 2025, I will have been working here for 15 years. Leenstra was my second internship during my pre-vocational learning pathway for basic welder level 2. This internship lasted 3 months. After that, I started the block or day release programme for all-round welder level 3, also here at Leenstra. Finally, I completed the block or day release programme for a work planner level 4. Before I joined Leenstra, I had already gained experience as a welder. Now I have obtained all the necessary welding certificates at Leenstra to be allowed to weld certified work. For some time now, I have also worked as a welding coordinator, in addition to being a welder. In this role, I support the IWT officer on the shop floor while continuing to develop myself.     

The perfect weld

I always strive for perfection in my work. A strong weld must also look good. Keeping calm helps me a lot in my job. This is something you learn over the years of course. When I first started as a welder, I was so eager to do it right that I sat too close to the weld with my helmet and so I cracked the windows of my welding helmet, twice! Here at Leenstra, several highly experienced welders have taught me finesse and delivering higher quality welding. They too believe it has to be visually perfect.

Proud of my work
A project that I'm still proud of is the Ferris Wheel in Scheveningen. The welding work had to be 100% certified, but it also had to look good! All in all, this made it a very rewarding job. You really feel proud of your work when you see the Ferris Wheel built and turning. We are increasingly dealing with complex certified work and that makes the work challenging. Hearing from customers that they are so satisfied with the work and knowing that you were part of that is very satisfying. 

A pleasant working environment
After clocking up many years at Leenstra, I still enjoy going to work. This is partly thanks to the pleasant informal atmosphere, great colleagues and the healthy working conditions. Leenstra truly listens to its people. In principle, there is a solution to every problem. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and it shows.