Success story

Q&A: how the TMC traineeship program can kick-start your career

In this Q&A, we get a behind-thescenes look at Karen Meerts. She is 28 years old, her friends call her Kaat, and she loves korfball, walking/hiking, and enjoying good food and drinks with Friends, which are essential parts of her daily life. An enthusiastic Mechanical trainee who loves to share her experiences. Are you reading along?

Karen Meerts - Trainee Mechanical

How long have you been a trainee at TMC?

Since September 2022, so a year and a half now. I am currently in the second year of the three-year program. The first two years consist of training and courses, and the third year is for specialization.

What do you like most about the traineeship at TMC?

Enhancing knowledge through projects. It’s a nice transition phase from being a student to entering the working life. Additionally, developing both hard and soft skills and exchanging ideas through peer reviews. It’s great to be able to share this with each other.

What background do you have?

I studied Mechanical Engineering, which is why I am also in the Mechanical traineeship.

Who’s your client and what project are you working on?

My project is with ASML, where I work in a team as a Design Engineer. Here, I am involved in, among other things, designing test setups to test the duration and quality of components.

What are the advantages of a traineeship at TMC?

That you can take training courses in addition to your work. Normally, you would have to give up work hours or salary for this, but that’s not the case at TMC. You don’t reduce your project hours or salary. Besides the projects, you can also take training courses, including those offered by ASML.

What is your favorite memory as a trainee (so far)?

We definitely have a great group and are very close outside of work, not just during the study part! Every year, you work with a training actor, which is both exciting and fun. You can really develop yourself through personal cases. And doing it together, recognizing things in each other and yourself.

If your traineeship were a movie title, what would it be?

The Rookie (series). As a ‘newcomer’ (The Rookie), in the professional field, the additional knowledge and guidance from the traineeship is a major advantage.

Would you have done things differently with the knowledge you have now?

If you encounter something, write it down and work on it. Note, discuss, utilize, and apply personal cases.I would have made things easier for myself if I had started working on this earlier and in between the training sessions.

What is your tip for future trainees?

Take advantage of the training sessions and also look for training outside the standard offerings. Seek out what fits your project and what you still want to learn. Make that a priority.

What has the traineeship brought you so far?

A great group of people and a lot of work experience. Thanks to the opportunity to challenge myself and continue developing during work.

So, what’s next?

I am really enjoying my role as a Design Engineer and wouldn’t want to switch projects at the moment. I believe there is still a lot for me to learn there. I would like to continue the trend of my current learning curve.

What is your ‘forever dream’?

I would like to become very proficient in my field. So, I aim to grow into a specialization with (even) more responsibility. Additionally, I find the human aspect within a team very interesting, so maybe something in that direction someday.

Related vacancies Kick-start your career

We’re looking for a dynamic individual who can bring their expertise to our projects, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Apply now View vacancy