In conversation with… Rennie Dijkstra, concrete mixer driver with heart and soul.

For our “In conversation with” series, we spent a day with Rennie. She has been a concrete mixer driver for several years and does this job with great pleasure and enthusiasm. We asked her all the questions (figuratively speaking), because we’re of course curious about her experiences, the reason for her career switch, what makes working as a concrete mixer driver so enjoyable, and how she holds her own in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

 

You’ve been a concrete mixer driver for a few years now. How did you get into this job?

“I made a real career switch, as I used to work in an office at ING. You couldn’t imagine a bigger difference. I actually stumbled upon this job by accident. During my search for a new job, I came across this vacancy and applied on a whim. I was invited for an interview right away and got hired. Honestly, I didn’t expect it, but now I can confidently say that I don’t want to do anything else. This job really suits me!”

 

What makes your job so fun?

“The variety. No day is the same. Especially now that I work for Logistic Force as a temporary worker, I notice that. I go to a different client every time, and everyone wants their concrete in a different way. Sometimes I have to unload a lot, other times just a little. And as a temporary worker, I don’t have a fixed base, so I sometimes drive a different truck every day. I get to know them all: a DAF, Volvo, MAN, Renault. I now know how these trucks drive, how they react, and what they can do. That’s what I love about working as a temporary concrete mixer driver.”

 

What does a day as a concrete mixer driver look like?

“As I said, no day is the same. Sometimes you pour 500 cubic meters of concrete for a big project and have to go back to the base to refill. But yesterday, I was at a private customer who is building his own house, and I had to unload just a little concrete. What I love about my workday is the view from my ‘office’. Just look around! I drive through the most beautiful landscapes to my customers, who are always happy to see me. As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

 

So, you see working as a temporary worker as an advantage. But wouldn’t you prefer a permanent contract with an employer?

“That’s a question with a twofold answer. I really enjoy working through Logistic Force. The approach is accessible and personal. It’s just nice to communicate via the app, and you get a quick response, which I appreciate. Everything is possible, everything is allowed. And at the office, there’s usually a small team with a contact person. I know who I’m dealing with, and they know who I am. And not unimportant: they take my availability and wishes into account. That approach is really unique in the temp agency world. I can tell you, I’ve experienced it differently with other agencies. But now, on the flip side, of course, I would prefer to be employed by the company I currently work for. I’ve been doing this job for a while, so I know the ins and outs. This is the company and the team where I feel at home. So, a permanent contract would be highly appreciated.”

 

Concrete mixer driver, isn’t that a real male-dominated world?

“Yes, it is. But I don’t have a problem with that. Men are very easy to get along with. I often make jokes about it myself. For example, when I made a small steering mistake recently, I said, ‘Well, you can see there’s a woman behind the wheel.’ The men liked that self-deprecating humor. I honestly didn’t expect to be accepted so quickly and comfortably into this male-dominated world. Maybe it depends on how you handle it and approach it.”

 

What would you say to people who are still unsure about working as a concrete mixer driver?

“Just go for it. Apply and give it a try! You’ll see how much freedom and (job) satisfaction it can give you. Who would’ve thought I would go from working in an office to driving a concrete mixer and actually enjoy it? By the way, there are also regular training programs you can follow to further develop your skills in this field. Logistic Force is strong in that.”

Are you excited after hearing this story and want to become a concrete mixer driver? Or are you just curious about the opportunities? Get in touch with one of our training coordinators or read more on our website.