Electrical engineer Fernand experienced both the heyday and the absolute low at Ford Genk. After the closure of the car plant, he did not sit back and decided to retrain. Only to commit his future to Yontec not much later.
25 years of love and suffering shared
At the end of 2014, the last car rolled off the assembly line at Ford Genk. The months that followed left Fernand as one of the few left to dismantle the plant. "Dismantling the robots, taking down the emergency lighting... There wasn't much left. After almost 25 years of service among thousands of colleagues, I suddenly looked out on an empty shop floor."
On the upside, his doctor recommended having his shoulder operated on. "I had been sitting with a pinched nerve for some time. It seemed like the ideal time to perform the surgery. Only the recovery took longer than expected, almost a year."
"I didn't want to on the treasury end up, so I decided to refresh my knowledge and took a day course in industrial electricity. Suddenly many forgotten things from my school days resurfaced. And even though Ford Genk was an unforgettable period, in the long run everything became routine. So I'm glad I flew back into the books."
Good things heard
"Once I had my certificate in my pocket and I was fully recovered from my shoulder surgery, things moved quickly. Thanks to my experience at Ford Genk, I suddenly had several offers in my pocket."
"But at that time, I was often reminded of a few former colleagues who had immediately made the move to Yontec. They told me nothing but good things. They also knew what it was like to work in a big company like Ford. All in all, you were a number there, and the boss is still the boss."
"So I took the step of applying to Yontec myself. Not much later I was allowed to come in for an interview and some tests. Although I scored well on most of the tests, I preferred to keep as far away from control techniques as possible. That is something that does not suit me at all. Instead of looking up strangely, they indicated they were just happy that I was able to assess my strengths well. Immediately it became clear that they took a lot of account of their employees' wishes."
"You just pretend to be at home."
"I was therefore delighted when I was allowed to start at Yontec. And what my predecessors said soon proved to be true. You just walk into the office, take something from the refrigerator, have a chat, play a game of billiards or kicker... It's very familiar and convivial. Like you're just at home."
And Fernand also quickly found his feet again in the workplace. "I have already had the opportunity to work for a number of interesting companies. Until now, I preferred working for a gearbox manufacturer. Everything there went as it should. In the morning I received my assignment and the corresponding plans, the operator guided you when the machines were shut down, and the supervisor assisted you if necessary. The company canteen with hot kitchen was of course also a big plus. (laughs)."
"Fulfillment is in the smallest moments."
What does Fernand get his greatest satisfaction from during working hours? "Most of all, I like looking for the cause behind electrical failures. Why does the machine do this, why doesn't it do something?"
"Another thing I get a lot of energy from: colleagues who dare to get their hands dirty and help think ahead. When we are in tune with each other, everything moves forward once so quickly. It's in the smallest things. For example, when you need to open something up and your colleague is already there with the right tool."
Step further
How does Fernand look back on his adventure at Yontec so far? "I still look with amazement at how things are handled here. If for some reason the sauce doesn't pick up with a particular customer, they really do go out of their way to find a better solution for you."
"In return, you are also happy to go the extra mile for your customers. Even if I have to spend three days searching for a solution or take an entire machine apart. Then you just do that."
A punishing mind in a punishing body
Even after working hours, Fernand does not rest on his laurels easily. "I try to go to the gym at least three times a week. Immediately after work I drive on. The difference in the workplace has been huge since I started doing it. For the rest, I sometimes go rates with friends or climb on the motorcycle with my girlfriend. A 200-horsepower Kawasaki. A beast of speed, but so comfortable you don't even notice it."
Are you that ideal colleague?
Do you completely recognize yourself in Fernand's perfect colleague? Helpful, collaborative and not afraid to get your hands dirty? At Yontec we are looking for technicians with strong hands and a heart and mind in the right place.
Ready to become the next addition to our team? Apply for one of our vacancies or apply spontaneously through our website.
