Our All-Round Refrigeration Technician
In this edition of Employee in the Spotlight, we meet Jaco, All-Round Refrigeration Technician at Van Abeelen. He moved from South Africa to the Netherlands and is building his future here step by step. Time to get to know him better.
What is your morning routine before your workday begins?
“My day always starts with a strong cup of music and coffee during the drive to work. I consciously use that time in the car to clear my head and prepare for what the day will bring.”
Who are you outside of Van Abeelen?
“I am primarily a family man. A proud father of my daughter, a dedicated husband, and someone for whom friendship truly means something. The people around me are important to me.”
What are your hobbies?
“I like watching rugby and spending as much time as possible with my family and friends. It doesn't have to be anything grand for me. It's about those ordinary moments together that truly matter.”
Is your current position the same as earlier in your career?
“Yes, I have always worked in refrigeration technology. It is a field that I still have a lot of passion for. I continue to develop myself and that is what makes it interesting for me.”
How long have you been working at Van Abeelen?
“Already two years. In these two years, I have obtained all the certificates to be able to work with all types of installations. Every day I continue to build on my experience within the company.”
Which moments or projects have stayed with you the most?
“Not a single project really stands out yet. I get a lot of satisfaction from the variety in my daily work. It is precisely that variety and continuous learning that make it valuable to me. My strength lies in finding and troubleshooting issues, big or small.“
How have you seen yourself grow since working at Van Abeelen?
“Professionally, I have learned a lot and deepened my knowledge further. But the greatest personal growth is definitely the move from South Africa to the Netherlands. That was a big step. A new environment, a new culture. It has shaped me and brought new opportunities for which I am grateful.”
How do you experience the work atmosphere and your colleagues?
“It feels like a great place to work. The atmosphere is open and you can tell that colleagues really support each other. I’ve made friends here, not just colleagues.”
What are you most proud of?
“To my family and the life we have built together. The move to the Netherlands was a big step, but it has brought us a lot. I achieved these milestones with a lot of support from Van Abeelen.“
How would you describe Van Abeelen as an employer?
“As an involved and supportive organization. I feel appreciated and am given the space to develop further. That is exactly what I am looking for.”
