In the workshop we recently welcomed a new face: Jurjen Woudstra (21) from Stiens. He is following the All-round Technician for Vehicles and Mobile Machinery – Level 3 programme through a work-study (BBL) track. That means: four days working with us and one day at school. For the next three years, Jurjen will be fully part of De Vries Cornjum. Time for an introduction.
From agricultural work to wrenching
Jurjen started his career in agricultural contracting. Machines and outdoor work always appealed to him, but soon he felt something was missing. Driving was fun, but his real curiosity lay in the workshop. “During my previous training I often had tools in my hands, and I noticed how much I enjoyed it. You see what’s broken, figure out how it works and fix it again. That gave me more satisfaction than just being behind the wheel.”
Technical skills run in the family: both his father and brother are mechanics. “At home there’s always talk about tools and technology, so no one was surprised that I eventually went in this direction,” he says with a smile.
Close to home, yet unique
How did he end up with us? On the advice of a teacher. Jurjen looked into our company and immediately saw opportunities. “What appealed to me is that so much unique, custom-built work is done here. It’s not standard jobs with routine tasks, but always something special. That makes it both educational and challenging. And the fact that it’s close to home is just perfect.”
First impressions in the workshop
Colleagues now describe Jurjen as a down-to-earth, handy guy. He asks questions when needed, but also finds his own way just fine. If something doesn’t work out right away, he stays calm and tries again differently. That fits perfectly with the De Vries Cornjum way of working, where improvisation and problem-solving are just as important as technical knowledge.
His first weeks have definitely whetted his appetite. “The machines here are really different from what you usually see. I’m already learning a lot, and it’s great that I get to be more and more involved.”
Ambition without fuss
Jurjen is ambitious but stays grounded. “My goal is to become an all-round mechanic. Maintenance, repairs, assembly, maybe even thinking along with improvements – I want to learn a bit of everything. Precisely because so much is developed in-house here, there’s a lot to see and discover.”
Outside the workshop
Outside of work and school, Jurjen is active in the Scouts. Every Saturday he leads a group himself. “It’s a lot of fun, but you also learn to take responsibility and organise.” He also enjoys bouldering. “It’s sporty, challenging, and afterwards your head feels clear.”
Welcome to the team
We’ve only known Jurjen a short while, but the first impression is more than positive. Calm, eager to learn, and with the right mindset to grow here.
Here’s to three great and educational years – and hopefully a long future at De Vries Cornjum. We’re looking forward to it!
