Working, learning and just doing: this is how Mourik attracts new people

Not everyone follows the standard route. Sometimes you only discover along the way where you really fit in. Such as Lars de Jong (20), who ended up in civil engineering via a detour and has now found his niche at Mourik. Together with Jolijn Akkerman, Recruiter at Mourik Infra, he explains what working and learning in practice looks like and why this approach attracts and retains people.

From detour to workplace

“After high school, I started college,” Lars says. “But through side jobs I soon noticed that I preferred to work with my hands.” Through a friend, he came in contact with Mourik. “In our neighborhood everyone knows the company. That immediately gave a familiar feeling.”

That first impression proved correct: “What surprised me most is that the family feeling is not a sales pitch. You really experience the collegiality and nice company atmosphere from day one. Everyone is willing to help you.”

Learning in practice

Lars has now been working at Mourik as an apprentice GWW craftsman for more than three months. He combines the work with one school day a week. “At school you get theory and practice, but on the shop floor you really learn things like safety, cooperation and responsibility.”

He walks along with experienced colleagues, who take him step by step. “I can ask them anything and they explain it in a nice way, so you really learn something. That gives confidence and that way you become more and more independent. You laugh and learn together. That's a really good combination.”

Hands-on approach

According to Jolijn, that hands-on approach is essential. “We all notice how difficult it is to find good professionals. Especially outside, on the projects. After all, that's where it starts in the chain.” That's why Mourik puts a strong emphasis on visibility and personal approach with job marketing. “We are active on social media and present at events. But the most important thing remains word-of-mouth advertising. Many people know someone who works here and end up with us that way. It really is our internal ambassadors who make the difference.”

Experience is also deliberately used during the recruitment process. “We take people to a project, show them what the work entails and let them talk to colleagues. Then it really comes alive.”

Place for doers

According to Jolijn, the people who choose this field often have one thing in common: they want to get started. “They are doers. People who like to work outside and want to make something tangible.” She also sees that mentality in Lars. “He asks questions, shows initiative and really wants to learn. That is contagious, also for experienced colleagues who supervise him and work with him, such as Paul Koekkelkoren, head of planning who also supervises apprentices on the construction site.”

For Lars, besides the pleasant working atmosphere, the satisfaction is also in the results. “The other weekend we worked on temporary traffic circles. When you drive over them later, you think: we all made that beautiful.”

Continuing to build the future

The challenge for the industry remains great, stresses Jolijn. “We need people who want to do this beautiful work. But we have to actively look for them as companies.” That means investing in people as well as collaborating with schools. “You have to help form professionals themselves. That takes time, but you reap the benefits later.”

For Lars it is clear: “I definitely see myself still working here in a few years. I can develop myself further, the work remains varied and the atmosphere is nice.” His advice to others: “Just give it a try. If you're not afraid to roll up your sleeves, you certainly won't regret it.”