Marcin Pallach: ‘Nothing is impossible. Everything can be learned.’

Marcin Pallach (33) is from Poland and moved to Brabant five years ago. Back when he was in his home country, he looked for jobs abroad to gain greater financial security. He came across an advertisement from an employment agency offering work on a pig farm. When he responded, things moved quickly. Within a few days, Marcin arrived in the Netherlands and started working for AB Brabant as they were known at the time.

Working with animals

As Marcin had been out of work for a while, he was ready to take on anything. He knew he wanted to work with animals, because he had experience in that area. He feels comfortable with animals. When he was a child, he often visited his uncle’s farm. Marcin ended up at Peter Ammerlaan’s business, which massively outsizes his uncle’s in Poland. He had already learned to work hard and literally get his hands dirty at his uncle’s farm. Marcin: ‘Impossible? There is no such thing in my book. With the right attitude, you can achieve a lot.’

Bond with entrepreneur Peter

Marcin still works on Peter Ammerlaan’s farm. ‘When I started here, I immediately felt at home. Well, it felt like my second home,’ Marcin says. Peter surprised him by being open, warm and friendly from the outset. Marcin continues: ‘As an employer, he is demanding and fair, but above all human. I think that is an important quality if you want to win over employees. Peter helps when he needs to, and that’s why I am always willing to step in where necessary. It’s a team effort! Our interaction is excellent, precisely because we can also give each other space.’

Language course through AB Werkt

When Marcin had just arrived in the Netherlands, he only spoke English. Over the years, he has improved both his English and his Dutch. He is learning the Dutch language faster by talking to Peter and other colleagues, for example. Via AB Werkt, he followed a basic Dutch language course. Marcin: ‘Dutch is a difficult language, but I improve myself every day.’

Family in the Netherlands

In March this year, Marcin’s wife and two children moved to the Netherlands, which he had been looking forward to very much. Now he enjoys every family moment. Naturally, his greatest hobby is spending time with his family. But his car is also his pride and joy. He laughs: ‘The pigsty has to be clean, but my car has to shine.’

Everyday things

Marcin works five days a week from seven to half past four. His working hours are not entirely fixed, but he is flexible. Ammerlaan has three large sites, so there is always plenty of work. Piglets are born and need to be treated. Other work activities include insemination, collecting the animals for transport, hosing the stables, or repairs. Together with his colleagues, Marcin takes his responsibility. Marcin: ‘We do the work together, so if that means I have to start earlier or stop later, then that’s what I do. I find that the obvious thing to do.’

Cooperation with AB Werkt

In the five years that Marcin has worked through AB Werkt, he has lived at several addresses. As a result, he has maintained regular contact with AB Werkt’s hospitality staff. They help and supervise Marcin and all other international employees. Since Marcin’s move into private housing, that contact has diminished. Marcin doesn’t mind, because he wants to be independent. Peter Ammerlaan helps him when he has questions and Marcin has regular contact with AB Werkt’s HR manager. AB Werkt sometimes comes to the company or they call for a chat.

Ambassador

Marcin is so pleased with AB Werkt that he also approaches others to come and work here. His colleague Mietek is one such a person and his own wife now also works for AB Werkt. This goes to show Marcin’s commitment to AB Werkt and to Peter’s company. Marcin is always a welcome guest and ambassador at the AB Werkt summer barbecue and at activities for international employees. One final tip from Marcin to all people in the Netherlands and abroad looking for work: ‘Never give up, nothing is impossible. If you really want to work, you can learn anything.’