“TMC helped me build a new life in the Netherlands”

Can you start by introducing yourself? Where are you from and what’s your background?

I’m originally from a small village in the Limpopo Province in South Africa. That’s where I grew up, studied diesel mechanics, and spent seven years repairing trucks and heavy machinery. Later, I moved into the electrical industry and worked as a Sales Engineer.

What made you decide to move to the Netherlands?

A friend moved here in 2022 and kept saying: “You should come too, there are so many opportunities.” At first, I didn’t take it seriously. Moving countries felt like jumping off a cliff. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. In South Africa, technical development is limited. Here, the technology level is much higher, and that really appealed to me. Dutch also sounded familiar enough to make the move a little less scary. So in July 2023, I decided to go for it.

How did TMC enter your story?

When I arrived, I started working at a company through a connection, but the environment wasn’t right. There was little guidance and hardly any support. Then TMC reached out. The manager I spoke to was honest, clear and explained exactly how things work - both the pros and the cons. That transparency stood out. A few weeks later, I joined TMC. Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision.

What made TMC feel like the right place?

The support, without a doubt. I was living in the north of the Netherlands, and TMC helped me relocate to the south. My manager assisted with all kinds of things: finding a house, sorting out deposits, understanding Dutch paperwork, answering all my questions. The people at TMC didn’t just help me with work, they helped me find my way in a completely new country.

What kind of projects have you been working on?

My first project was at a construction machinery supplier, working on electric ground equipment and cranes. After that, I worked as an operator at a door manufacturer. And since November, I’ve been part of an infrastructure company working on infra and green projects. I enjoy it. The team is great, the atmosphere is relaxed, and even though I’m the only TMC employeneur there, they included me right from the start.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

The people and the variety. We’re a small team of mechanics and welders, and everyone helps each other. I especially like solving tricky problems. When a machine stops working for no clear reason, I investigate, try different things, and figure it out step by step… and when I finally fix it, it feels great. That kind of challenge gives me energy.

Speaking of energy, what keeps you motivated?

I like figuring things out. If something doesn’t work, I don’t stop until it does. And I enjoy keeping the atmosphere positive. I’m almost never in a bad mood. I joke around, but I also know when to focus. Humour and hard work: that’s my combination.

How would you describe TMC’s culture?

It feels big and small at the same time. TMC is a large organisation, but the business cells make it feel personal. In the Service & Maintenance cell, where I’m part of, we organise things like pizza nights, BBQs and go-karting, which makes it easy to connect with people beyond work.

Colleagues often drop me a message or stop by to ask how things are going or whether I need anything. When you’ve just arrived in a new country, having people around who genuinely look out for you gives you a real sense of belonging.

What does that say about TMC?

To me, it shows how welcoming the culture is. At TMC, you don’t just meet colleagues - you meet people who care. Some of those connections become real friendships. And when you’re far from home, that matters a lot. It helps you feel settled much faster.

What are your ambitions for the next few years?

Next year, I plan to start studying again - either welding technology or electrical engineering - because continuing to develop myself is important to me. Long term, I’d like a role that combines hands-on mechanic work with engineering responsibilities, and maybe even move into management eventually.

In the end, my goal is to look back and say: “I worked hard, I grew, and I earned my success.”

And do you see yourself staying in the Netherlands?

Yes, I do. The first year wasn’t easy. Everything felt new, and there were moments when I wondered if I should just go back to South Africa. But I gave myself time to settle, and I’m glad I did.

I’m building a life here now, and TMC has been a big part of that. They helped me with all kinds of practical things that come with starting over: finding a place to live, understanding how things work here, and checking in regularly to see how I was doing. That kind of support means a lot to me, and it still does.

Of course I miss my family and my home country. I haven’t been back in two and a half years, and I hope to visit next summer. But moving back permanently? No. My future is here.