On April 1st, Bert ‘Bertje’ Blokland celebrates his 12,5-year anniversary at Drumarkon. Bert (31) began his career with us as a teenager and, over the years, has grown into an experienced craftsman. We spoke with him about his career path, his experiences at Drumarkon, and his ambitions for the future.
From Intern to Skilled Professional
Bert’s journey at Drumarkon started in October 2012. Our colleague from Werkendam was doing an internship at a landscaping company, where he simply wasn’t enjoying himself. Bert’s internship supervisor happened to be the neighbor of a then-Drumarkon colleague. Through this connection, Bertje found his way to Drumarkon, where he immediately felt at home. After completing his internship, Bert joined the company full-time in 2014.
As a teenager, Bert started with simple tasks, he explains: “Think of sweeping and screwing in profiles. Over time, I learned more and began working with various machines. The work has become increasingly diverse,” he says with a grin. “I also keep track of stock for basic supplies like milk, sugar, and coffee. Yes, I really do a bit of everything.”
What Makes Drumarkon Special?
When asked what he enjoys most about working at Drumarkon, Bert answers without hesitation: “We make beautiful products, that’s one thing. But the best part is definitely the great colleagues. Everyone is friendly and there’s always time for a chat.” He continues passionately: “I’ve never considered working anywhere else, because Drumarkon always gives me the opportunity to learn new things.”
Mastering the Craft
Currently, Bert mainly works on the saw machine and spends a lot of time with the groove machine. Still, he’s eager to expand his skill set, for example by learning how to spray paint. “I enjoy being busy all day,” he says enthusiastically. He continues with a smile: “There’s still so much I want to learn. It’ll be a bit of a puzzle to fit it all in — the days fly by.”
Always Cheerful
Bert is known for his cheerful personality – he’s always up for a laugh. His positive attitude and eagerness to learn make him a valuable member of the Drumarkon team. After all, a day without laughter is a day wasted…
