Brain Meijer- Insulation mechanic (and scaffolding mechanic, NDT worker)
What I really like about my job is, when we're done with a job the finished product really looks great again. It shines again and the insulation is back on for years to come. You see what you're doing it for at the end of the day."
The story of Brian
How did you end up at Bilfinger?
"I initially did chef training, quite a different thing! But that was a little too stressful for me, so cooking has now become a hobby. Through my father I ended up at Bilfinger. They were looking for colleagues and I am technically savvy. Then through Bilfinger I did the insulation sheet worker training at the OOI (Training and Development Fund for the Insulation Industry).
How has your career progressed so far?
"In addition to being an insulation fitter, I am also a first fitter of scaffolding, and in the meantime I have also done some NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) courses at Bilfinger. And I recently passed my IRATA Level I for rope access work. This means that I can do work while hanging 'in the ropes', instead of standing on scaffolding, for example. I really enjoy doing that. There is a lot involved in such training and it is physically demanding. I would also like to get my Level II and maybe Level III. I would like to see a lot more rope access work! All in all, I work mostly as an insulation technician, but I'm broadly employable in all kinds of disciplines."
What does your day usually look like?
"Usually I'm on site around 7:00 a.m.. Then I get to work with my team. We pick up the permit and have a quick discussion about what we're going to do that day and if there are any particulars, for example, in the area of safety. Of course, a project begins with measuring insulation. We then send those measurements to the workshop. Here, or in Roosendaal, where Bilfinger's prefab center is located. There the colleagues make the sheet metal to size and send it back to the site. And we get to work here disassembling and assembling insulation.''
When we're done, the customer comes to check on it and sometimes we have to make minor adjustments. After all, the most important thing is that the customer is satisfied. At the end of the day everything has to be tidied up neatly. I myself usually go ahead and look at the next day's planning, make any preparations and consult with the customer. "
Why do you continue to find your work interesting?
"I find it challenging to be able to problem-solve. At some sites, insulation was not really taken into account when the plant was built. Then the pipelines are sometimes difficult to reach, or strange bends have to be made. You have to be able to solve that. And if you manage to pull it off, you've done something great together after all!"
What does the team look like?
"There are three of us currently working in a permanent team. In a few weeks, hopefully someone else will join. One person has also done NDT courses. The nice thing about that is that you are multifunctional as a team. That you can solve everything as a team; build a scaffold, remove insulation, examine and put insulation back on."
How important is teamwork to you?
"When you work with a smaller team, it is very important that you have colleagues you trust and who can work independently. And of course that they come to me if there is something. So teamwork is very important, as is craftsmanship. If something doesn't work out according to plan, we always solve it together."
What makes you proud to work at Bilfinger?
"What I really like about my job is, when we finish a job the finished product really looks great again. It then shines nicely again and the insulation is back on for years to come. You see what you're doing it for at the end of the day. That's why you really take pride in your work. And of course I'm also proud when the customer is completely satisfied again!"
Why should new colleagues join Bilfinger?
"We have a really nice young team here in the north. There are plenty of opportunities to grow and there is a lot of fun; there is always something going on. It's just really enjoyable working here."
What do you like to do outside of work hours?
"Cooking, of course, and eating good food with friends. Also walking the dog, and doing a bit of odd jobs in my new house.''
Does working at Bilfinger sound like music to your ears after Brian's story? We are still looking for more talent!
Other colleagues at Team Bilfinger
