From office to CNC: Jolanda made a conscious choice for technology

My career did not start in technology. For years, I worked as a secretary and human resources officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, I noticed that I was thinking more and more about a different direction. Not because there was one specific moment that changed everything, but because the feeling slowly grew that I wanted to do something else.

As with many people, work and family were my main focus for a long time. Later, when I had more time to pursue my own interests, I rediscovered how much I enjoy working with my hands. It started with a course in jewelry making. During that course, I noticed how much energy I got from creating and working with something tangible. That’s when I started to seriously consider a future in technology.

To find out whether engineering was really right for me, I decided to take a machining course through the Verder in Techniek program. That’s where I was first introduced to CNC turning and milling.

At first, a lot of it was new and sometimes quite complicated, but the trainer explained everything very clearly. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he had faith in me. That gave me the feeling that I could really grow in this field.

After the course, I did an internship for a few months to gain practical experience. Then I decided to take the plunge and apply for a job in engineering. Eventually, I ended up at Caldic Techniek.

At Caldic Techniek, I work in CNC production. What I particularly like about this job is that the work is very varied. I don’t spend the whole day at the same machine, but do different tasks. For example, I work with several CNC machines and also do the sawing myself.

Because we work with different machines, systems, and customer requests, it can be quite complex at times. At the same time, that’s what makes the work interesting. I learn something new every day and can always turn to my colleagues if I have any questions. I really appreciate that open atmosphere and willingness to help each other.

The move to engineering was a conscious choice for me. Financially, it was actually a step back, but I thought it was worth it. I wanted to do something that energized me.

And that’s exactly what happened. At the end of the working day, I often think: it’s over already. I hadn’t had that feeling in a long time. The work gives me pleasure and satisfaction.

If I could give others one piece of advice, it would be this: if you get the chance to do something that makes you truly happy, dare to change course. Sometimes that gives you more energy and satisfaction than you could have imagined.