How José found his place at Van Bilsen thanks to BergWerk

José returned to BergWerk

Sometimes a listening ear, a little patience and the right opportunity is exactly what someone needs. After a previous pleasant experience with BergWerk, José came back to us. We were allowed to help José find a new suitable job again. After a good conversation, a vacancy at Van Bilsen was discussed, where he has enjoyed working as a production employee since July 2024. He has now even received a contract. Something he was so happy about, that he surprised our colleagues at BergWerk with nice ice creams.

“I am very happy with Van Bilsen. Every day is different and I learn a lot from my helpful colleagues.”

A man who wants to learn, learn and learn even more!

José is a real go-getter. BergWerk funded a Dutch language course and a VCA course for him. The latter turned out to be spicy, due to the linguistic complexity of the theory. Yet José did not give up. “My big problem was the language, but BergWerk understood that and thought along with it. They have paid for the language course for me and always help, with everything, he says.

When he was allowed to talk to Van Bilsen via BergWerk, he never thought it would happen so quickly. “I had an introduction to Van Bilsen and suddenly I was allowed to start the following Monday. That was a surprise. I was very happy.”

Van Bilsen soon took over José on contract

On July 8, 2024, José started as a production employee at Van Bilsen. Since April 5, 2025, he has had his permanent place there as a production employee in the milling industry. What he does? All kinds of things: milling, drilling, cleaning metal, deburring, making holes and helping with the maintenance of machines. Sometimes it also works with CNC lathes or steps up the assembly. The technical work suits him: being busy with his hands, staying moving, working together and continuing to learn. “I still want to fully understand the machine's programs. That will take a while, but I will continue to practice.”

What does he think of working at Van Bilsen?

What José appreciates most about Van Bilsen is the atmosphere. “The colleagues are very good, because everyone is nice! If I don't understand something, there is always someone who helps me.”

He recognizes this connection from earlier: “It feels like family. Just like with BergWerk. They always help there too. If I was sick, if I didn't know something, or had to arrange something around laws and regulations, they were there from the start!”

BergWerk as a link between job seekers and companies

José is not the only one who has been given a new chance through BergWerk. At BergWerk we look beyond a CV. We listen to what someone needs, think about the right steps and help with everything needed. Whether it concerns language, training opportunities or finding the right employer.

For José this meant a language course, guidance in finding suitable work and a warm introduction to Van Bilsen. And this applies to many job seekers: anyone who wants to work and develop will have the opportunity to grow at BergWerk.