Marcel is a garbage man through and through

When we ask him whether he prefers to be called a garbage man, recycling worker, or a truck driver, Marcel Reitsma (50) is very firm. “Garbage man, of course! I think it’s a beautiful profession, and garbage definitely doesn’t have a negative connotation for me. Call it what it is. Everyone has garbage: you, your neighbor, and even the king.” This marks the start of a great conversation with Marcel, an agency worker who recently decided to make a drastic career change and opt for a job as a garbage man. What were his reasons for making the switch? Is he still happy with this decision? And what kind of support did he receive from Logistic Force?

Why garbage man?

“I worked in various factories for over 25 years. First as a lead operator and later as a maintenance mechanic. It was okay, but it just didn’t feel quite right. I could never fully find my place. Recently, I decided to change direction. I spoke with several people in my surroundings, and they saw me becoming a truck driver. I made it more specific and wanted very much to become a garbage truck driver. A nice bonus of this job is that it’s recession-proof. Trash always needs to be collected.”

How did You go about it?

“A good friend pointed me to Logistic Force. After an initial meeting with Iris and Linda from Logistic Force Oudehaske, I was immediately excited. I told them I wanted to become a garbage truck driver and get my C driving license. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an open position for this at the time, but the meeting went so well that they offered me something else. I could get my C license through Logistic Force and temporarily work in another role. Iris and Linda then worked behind the scenes to find a job for me with a waste management company.”

What did You do in the meantime?

“The truck driver training takes about 7-8 months, so I was busy with that for a while. Afterward, I started working as a concrete mixer driver, where I got my first experience as a driver. But not long after, I got the ‘good news’ call. They might have found a job for me at the waste management company Prezero. Not as a driver yet, but as a loader/assistant. ‘But,’ they said, ‘once you work there and they see who you are and what you can do, it won’t be long before you can start as a driver.’ And that’s exactly how it turned out.

Are You totally happy with this job?

“Absolutely. I now work as a garbage truck driver and sometimes alternate with the loader role, depending on the demand and workload. It’s a great combination for both my employer and me, as I enjoy mixing it up sometimes. I’m incredibly happy with this job, and I’ve truly found my place.” Barry Bijlholt, mediation coordinator at Logistic Force Oudehaske, adds: “The client and we as the staffing organization are also very happy with Marcel. People who have their own motivation and determination to pursue a specific profession often succeed in making that dream come true.”

What has Logistic Force done for You?

“The connection was there immediately from the first meeting, and it’s never gone away. I almost consider them family or friends. I still visit them regularly. But what they really helped me with was the truck driver training. They facilitated that, and it was very valuable to me. They really listened to my wishes and have always been transparent about the possibilities. I love that they kept searching for the job I wanted. They went the extra mile because they could’ve easily done nothing and let me work as a concrete mixer driver. The communication is still great. If you have questions, they help you quickly and well.”

How do You feel about it, Barry?

Ben jij ook toe aan een nieuwe uitdaging of klaar om jouw carrière om te gooien? Onderzoek dan jouw mogelijkheden bij een Logistic Force vestiging bij jou in de buurt. Onze bemiddelings-coördinatoren kijken samen met jou naar wat ‘Jouw Betere Baan’ is. Benieuwd? De koffie (of een ander drankje) staat altijd klaar!

Would You like to explore Your opportunities in the job market?

Are you ready for a new challenge or looking to change your career? Explore your options at a Logistic Force branch near you. Our mediation coordinators will work with you to find ‘The Better Job.’ Curious? The coffee (or another drink) is always ready!