Bartosz Sobczak ‘You’re given opportunities to grow’

Bartosz Sobczak trained in Poland in the hospitality industry. The work in that sector is quite demanding, he soon found out. And you have to be very lucky with your boss. Looking for adventure and new opportunities, he came to the Netherlands in May 2020. Now he works for AB Werkt and is a true ambassador. ‘As a young man, I didn’t really want to have to cook for strangers every night and every weekend,’ Bartosz says. ‘I wanted to have and build a private life for myself,’ he says. He came to the Netherlands through mediator Good Job. His first jobs through various employment agencies were not exactly a success. Not long after, AB Werkt came his way. ‘Here I received help from a contact person and I was offered housing.’

From hospitality to plants

He went to work as a sorter at peony producer V.O.F. Duijndam-Bruinen. ‘I now have other work, but I still go back there one month a year to lend a hand. During the remaining months, I work at Snepvangers Tuinplanten B.V., another client of AB Werkt. I started there in production, taking plant cuttings.’

Confidence in qualities

Soon Bartosz became interested in the other work at Snepvangers Tuinplanten B.V. ‘I liked watching how the machines worked, for example the potting machine and the conveyor belts. I was also curious about the ordering process, machine maintenance and forklift work.’ His colleagues were happy to introduce him to these operations. The client also had confidence in Bartosz’ qualities. He was allowed to train new staff and assist where necessary.

Forklift diploma

‘I indicated at my work and at AB Werkt that I would like to get a forklift certificate,’ says Bartosz. ‘Fortunately, they could still use a certified employee.’ AB Werkt HR signed Bartosz up for a ‘Doorzaam voucher’. The Doorzaam Foundation is a fund in the temporary employment sector that helps with training and more. ‘A month later, I already had my forklift diploma,’ he laughs.

Not just work

Bartosz is very satisfied with the cooperation with AB Werkt. ‘There is always room for a personal conversation with HR or a contact person. And everything, even the smallest thing, is taken up quickly.’ He enjoys going to employee meetings at the Etten-Leur office. ‘There you meet people you know and talk about other things besides work.’

More confident

He feels he has definitely grown in the years he has worked at the garden plant company. ‘I am more confident in my work and it is now a lot easier to interact with foreign speakers. It’s also nice that the company gives every employee personal attention and recognises their qualities. You’re given opportunities to grow and learn new things.

Tip from Bartosz

‘I see my future in the Netherlands. People here have a positive attitude. They are friendly and want to get to know you.’ Does Bartosz have another tip for foreign workers coming to live in the Netherlands? ‘Try to stand on your own two feet as soon as possible, learn the language and take training courses. Above all, read the documents you sign or are given for info. A good employer will always want to help you, but you need to do something yourself.’

Ambassador

Bartosz is doing well. He now lives on his own, has his second contract in Phase B, and his English is improving. ‘I enjoy working and feel committed to AB Werkt. I even brought in a new hire to AB Werkt.’ That earned Bartosz a welcome referral bonus. Not surprisingly then, he is seen as a true ambassador for AB Werkt.