Welding stainless steel tank components together with full focus under the welding helmet is what Jeffrey enjoys most at Gpi. Jeffrey Moers (19) is a third-year BBL apprentice following the All-round Sheet Metal Worker, Level 3 program. He learns and works at Gpi Tanks. “It’s all about learning a lot and taking one step further each time. Eventually, I want to be able to build an entire tank on my own,” he says.
After finishing pre-vocational secondary education (vmbo), Jeffrey first chose a BBL program to become an electrician and later joined the Marine Corps, but he soon realized those paths weren’t the right fit for him. During school, he had been introduced to welding, which had caught his interest back then, so he decided to give it a try. One of his teachers told him about Gpi, and that’s how he started a Level 3 BBL apprenticeship in sheet metal work, with Gpi as his training company. Now, in his third and final year of the program, he’s found something that truly suits him.
Working and learning
As a BBL apprentice sheet metal worker, you learn to work with metal sheets: cutting, bending, rolling, drilling, grinding, and welding. Jeffrey explains what his BBL path looks like. “One day a week I go to school for theory lessons, and the other days I apply what I’ve learned in practice at Gpi. During the first two years, I worked in the pre-production hall, where parts for tank construction are prepared. Since this school year, I’ve been working in the production hall, where the tanks are actually built. Each time I take another step forward. I’ve also earned my cobot welding certificate, which means I can now work with our welding robot.”
Getting started
Most of Jeffrey’s working days are spent welding and grinding, and he also regularly works with the cobot. Together with a colleague, he builds stainless steel tanks. He explains, “A project starts with reviewing the drawing and gathering all the tools and materials. Then we begin fitting and welding the different parts together. Everything has to be precise, neatly finished and meet a certain quality standard. I’m still learning a lot from my colleagues about that. Eventually, I want to be able to build an entire tank on my own.”
Challenge
Jeffrey is learning a lot at Gpi. He says, “Everything is still a challenge. It’s really specialized work; varied and sometimes even exciting. Sometimes you suddenly find yourself working high up on top of a tank, and that gives quite a thrill. Welding is what I enjoy the most. You’re in your own space, completely focused on one thing. When it turns out well, the end result is something to be proud of.”
Gpi as a learning and working company
Jeffrey enjoys working at Gpi. “You work in a pleasant environment in a production hall where people treat each other well. The guidance is good, and whenever I need help, it’s always provided. They’re also very supportive when it comes to taking extra training or earning additional diplomas.”
He’s happy to share his positive experience with others. For example, he regularly participates in job fairs and career events to attract new talent and inspire young people to work at Gpi or in the technical field in general.
Ten years from now
Jeffrey still has plenty of plans to continue developing himself after completing his current training. He wants to earn additional welding diplomas and plans to continue to level 4 to become a supervisor of technicians. Talking about his future at Gpi, Jeffrey says, “I hope I’ll still be here ten years from now. There are plenty of opportunities to grow. I’d like to eventually guide new trainees or maybe even become a foreman myself.”
