Tymo Wisniewski

Started as a headstrong and youthful teenager, now a fully qualified welder professional. Tymo knows what it’s like to grow as a BBL apprentice at VDL Staalservice both personally and professionally. With great pride, he works on a wide range of projects, including welding armor steel.

How did you start at VDL Staalservice and since when?

“I have been looking for a level 3 BBL all-round welder training since March 2020. I had several job applications ongoing, but many companies withdrew due to the uncertainty caused by Covid. At that time, VDL Staalservice stepped in to give me a place to undertake my training. Therefore, I started at VDL Staalservice on 1 September 2020.”

How did that process go?

"The training consisted of three years, of which the first two years involved completing many assignments and projects. A week consisted of four days of work and one day at school. Apart from working, I had plenty of room to focus on the assignments. Year three was mainly about taking many exams, obtaining diplomas and certificates, with the weekly setup remaining the same. When I finally completed my training, I was offered a contract, and I am still working happily at VDL Staalservice."

What challenges did you overcome during this process?

“During this period, I learned a lot. I can say that as a nineteen-year-old, I was quite stubborn when I started, but I believe I have become a lot more mature now. The assignments for school always suited me well, and I enjoyed doing them. The projects were often challenging, partly thanks to the guidance from VDL Staalservice. However, I found documenting less enjoyable, especially after a hard day's work.” 

How has VDL Staalservice supported your personal and professional growth?

"I found the support really top-notch. As I mentioned before, I received challenging projects, and I was given ample time to complete the assignments. I truly had the absolute freedom to go all out on the task; at VDL Staalservice, your training really comes first. All tools and resources were at my disposal, such as the materials and equipment. Compared to what I heard from other classmates, VDL Staalservice truly took an extra step to support me as a BBL apprentice."

What do you enjoy most about working and learning at the same time?

“I find it a great combination, 4 days of working week and 1 day of school, so you're fully engaged. But you also get the time to complete your school assignments.” 

What makes your role at VDL Staalservice interesting?

"I find my role as a welder skilled worker very interesting because it's something not everyone can do. You work on projects that not everyone is allowed or able to undertake. Not everyone is permitted or able to do armor welding; working in that niche market, which makes the work distinctive, I find very enjoyable and interesting."

Favorite project of all time?

“Generally, I find it most exciting to weld armor steel; that's like the Champions League for welding. But in addition, I really enjoyed the project for a sister company, VDL Translift. The interesting aspect of this project is that due to the tension that develops in the product during welding, you need to clamp and align the product with a flame, which makes it challenging. Additionally, you have to work with 'transition wire' because both steel and stainless steel are welded into the product. With transition wire, you can weld steel and stainless steel without the stainless steel rusting, which also makes the project interesting.”