From production employee to technical service with contract within 4 months

Surprisingly good connection with his studies

What started as temporary work via BergWerk quickly became a great step in his technical career for Thijs (26) from Harderwijk. He now works at the technical department Maars Living Walls. That is a position that fits surprisingly well with his studies.

Thijs studies as a Maritime Officer at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and follows the technical graduation route there. During the training he is involved in technical service on ships, such as maintenance and work in the engine room.

“I actually started this study in preparation for the navy, says Thijs. “But during the training I discovered that commercial shipping seemed more fun to me than military sailing.”

Yet he does not immediately see himself working at sea for months. “Without a diploma I am not allowed to work on a ship and to be honest, being away for a long time does not quite suit my private life. That is why working at a technical company on land appeals to me more at the moment.”

Looking for temporary work

Before his graduation internship would start, Thijs was looking for temporary work. Finding an internship in this industry is not easy, which could take some time. After years of working in a snack bar, he wanted to find something that better suited his technical interests.

He ended up at BergWerk via Google. Mountain worker Rosalien proposed working as a production employee at Maars. “That actually seemed interesting to me.” Since November 2025, he has worked at Maars as a production employee through BergWerk. But it didn't stop there.

An opportunity at the technical service

Maars had a vacancy available at the technical department. “I actually thought it wouldn't work out because I didn't have a diploma yet and only just worked at Maars.” Nevertheless, he was invited to a meeting with HR and the head of the technical service. This was followed by two trial weeks. “I really liked that from both sides. I was positively surprised.”

Not much later he was offered a one-year contract with the technical service. That is a great achievement after such a short working time and without a diploma.

No day the same

The work fits in well with what he learns during his studies. “The basis of technology is comparable everywhere. Whether on a ship or at Maars: maintenance, malfunctions and systems remain technology.”

His working days differ enormously. Sometimes he finishes something from the day before, sometimes there are emergency malfunctions that require immediate attention. He is now also playing along with the interference telephone, something that rotates within the team. “That is very educational, because you are involved in everything and quickly get to know all the machines.”

The technical service team consists of four colleagues, all with a lot of experience. Despite the age difference, Thijs feels completely at home. “I really feel at home in the team and learn a lot from colleagues.”

Positively surprised by BergWerk

In any case, Thijs is clear about his experience with BergWerk: “I went in without expectations, but am very positive about it. Everything was arranged nice and quickly and well!”

He adds that he would certainly recommend BergWerk to others in his area who are looking for (temporary) work. What started as temporary work grew into a great opportunity for Thijs to gain experience in exactly the direction in which his future lies.