Riekus van der Westhuizen
Engineero made it possible
My name is Riekus. I grew up in Pretoria, South Africa (SA). I went to the University in Pretroria and got my Mechanical Engineering degree there. I worked at a Powerplant as a System Engineer and as a Project engineer for a German company in SA, known for their mixing and agitation equipment. I now work as a Mechanical Systems Engineer at Nijhuis Industries.
How did you get in touch with Engineero?
Engineero approached me because I was referred to them by a friend. I looked for a job in the Netherlands (NL) due to the lack of growth in SA regarding versatile job positions. In the NL though, there is a lot of development going on and a lot of projects to work on. That caught my interest. I had my first interview with Wouter Schrotenboer en Bjorn Markerink. I was approached for a specific project they had in their pipeline. The first meeting was an introductory meeting. The second meeting was focused on the specific role as a Mechanical Engineer and the project details. I already made the decision to move to the Netherlands so I choose for Engineero because of the opportunity they presented to me. The project really resonated with me.
How was the support from Engineero during this whole process?
The plan was to come over in July 2021. Engineero initiated the HSM Visa to the IND. After approval Engineero bought the plane tickets. In December the NL imposed new rules due to the lockdown and international flights were not allowed to fly in. I then flew to Germany and via there into the NL.
The first week was difficult because of the hard lockdown. I had to buy everything online. But you have to be flexible. Engineero helped me to get an apartment, wich was really nice. I know a lot of friends that don’t have places when they move to the NL. Then you either need to know people that you can stay at or have money to pay for the rent in the first few months, wich can be very expensive. I’m happy Engineero arranged that for me. The area I live in is nice. The Dutch people are quit welcoming and open to outsiders.
In February I started at Nijhuis Industries. I speak English with my colleagues even though I work in a Dutch team. We walk everyday at 12 o’clock wich is nice. Dutch people are more structured and disciplined in their work. Most people stick to their working hours and there is less inequality. So that means you have a better work balance and more free time (walks) and a positive work environment. I would like to develop the Dutch language. It creates a more personal relationship.
What's the difference between living in the NL vs. SA?
There are small differences. SA is a lot warmer for instance. And the second thing is that Dutch eat less meat, wich I needed to get used to. The public transport is really good though. So if you like travelling then that is very easy! The NL also have very good infrastructure and no matter what you think of, you can buy it. So much innovation. So working in the NL I would recommend. You need to plan things well and set realistic expectations.
Interested in working at Engineero?
Send your CV + motivation letter to us
