Hans, pronounced “Hoans”, is 18 years old at the time of writing. He lives with his parents, brother and sister in the quiet Frisian village of Twijzel. In the spacious yard there is a workshop where Hans has restored his own Deutz tractor down to the very last little circlip. His passion for working on agricultural machinery started at an early age. In his spare time, he also spends a lot of time working on his grandfather’s farm. A real go-getter!
Working on machinery is clearly in your blood, Hans. What are you studying, exactly? “I’m studying for an MBO Level 4 qualification in Engineering Technology at Firda in Leeuwarden. The course takes four years and I’m currently in my third year. My internship at De Vries Cornjum lasts 20 weeks.”
So how did you actually find us? “During my holidays, I work at Meinderts Wergea B.V., an agricultural machinery company. One of my colleagues pointed me towards a vacancy for an internship at De Vries, and I called the same day. After a great conversation, it was all sorted and I had found myself an internship placement.”
It’s great to see you walking around here all day. What exactly do you do with us? “For the first four weeks, I worked in the office, where I was involved in the engineering of a few small projects. That was great fun, but for the final part of my internship I’m mainly working in the workshops. I enjoy that even more. I definitely prefer working with my hands. At the moment, I’m working on the installation of the hydraulic system and the electronic control of the hydraulic valves on the first of four brand-new tracked mowers that are being built. It fits perfectly with the course I’m studying.”
Sounds good. Do you already know what you’re going to do after this? “After my internship here, I’ll go back to school. Next year I have to complete another internship, and then I’ll have finished my course. As things stand at the moment, I think I’ll then do a work-based study programme, probably lasting two years.”
Hey, that sounds good. Will you be coming back to us, then? “Well..., you never know. I’m really enjoying it here.” We’re enjoying having you here too, Hans. Good luck with the final part of your internship!
