Learning to weld – from the shop floor to a competition
As a trainee welder at Mourik, Max Verhulst reached the final of Skills Heroes, a national vocational competition for students in secondary vocational education. And successfully so, as he took home a bronze medal. A great reward for his efforts and those of Vincent Mooij, his supervisor at Mourik. But the development of his skills does not stop there.
Welding under time pressure
Max ended up at Mourik through the Rotterdam Technical College. ‘I had already done two work placements as a welder, but I didn't like the experience. Until Mourik. I like pipework, you never know exactly what you're going to get and it's often very challenging.’ Vincent guides him every step of the way. ‘He first lets me try it myself, and if it can be done better, he shows me how. That way I learn fast.
Max participated in Skills Heroes at the request of his school. ‘I only had a few weeks to prepare.’ But he made it to the finals, where he had to weld two pieces within a specific time. ‘That was the hardest part: you have to work efficiently and accurately. Sometimes I could hear Vincent’s voice in my head: ‘Not right? Grind it out and start over.’ That can win you points.’
Vincent was there during the competition, following his protégé. ‘Max had to weld a pipe in a complicated position. We had never practiced this before, but it went fine.’
Out of your comfort zone
Max is now a junior welder. ‘The first time working at a customer was nerve-wracking, but once you get into the flow, it's fun. Every place is different.’ Vincent likes to challenge him as a supervisor. ‘I prefer to have him on the floor with a pipe rather than working upright on the workbench. Outside the working conditions aren’t always perfect either. Learning is all about trial and error.
Max sees his progress every day. ‘A pipe that I found difficult to weld last year is now much easier.’ He definitely recommends Mourik to other apprentice welders: ‘The level of quality of the work is very high. It's not for every apprentice, you have to persevere.’
‘The level of quality of the work is very high. It's not for every apprentice, you have to persevere.’
