At 16, she started doing odd jobs at Gpi, like cleaning and organizing the production hall of Gpi Tanks in Lopik. Now, 9 years later, Britt Rekoert (25) is a supervisor at Gpi Tanks XL, leading large tank construction projects. “You really get opportunities to grow here, and hard work is truly appreciated,” Britt says.
As a supervisor at Gpi Tanks XL, Britt is responsible for organizing and overseeing the construction of large stainless steel storage tanks at customer locations. She is the vital link between the production team, the client, and project management. As a supervisor, she ensures everything runs smoothly—from planning and quality control to inspecting welds and meeting with the customer.
Background
At 16, Britt did an introductory internship at Gpi and worked on Saturdays in the hall doing small jobs. Later, Gpi became her learning company during her work-study (BBL) program. “I wanted to start working immediately, but I needed an education first,” Britt explains. She trained as a construction mechanic, then as a sheet metal worker and technical supervisor. She also completed welding courses in the evenings and obtained a certificate as a visual welding inspector. Meanwhile, she worked in the Gpi Tanks production hall, building small to medium-sized stainless steel tanks.
From Welder to Supervisor
After years in production, Britt felt ready for a new challenge. She wanted more variety, and especially the outdoor work appealed to her. The role of supervisor at Gpi Tanks XL turned out to be a perfect fit—a job where her hands-on experience combines with variety and new challenges. Her problem-solving skills and no-nonsense mentality help her tackle the demands of the job. “You just have to make it happen. You need to take responsibility and involve the team to deliver a great final product together.”
Challenges in the Field
Fieldwork means adapting—whether it’s to the weather, tight deadlines, or technical challenges of constructing large tanks. Britt thrives on that dynamic environment: “There’s a lot involved. It’s basically one big puzzle: we receive the drawings and materials, and it’s up to our team to turn that into a perfect finished product.” She feels deeply responsible for her work: “If something goes wrong, it’s my job to fix it. You need to be solution-oriented and not afraid to take the lead.”
Working at Gpi
Britt sees the team at Gpi Tanks XL as very close-knit: “We usually work with a fixed team of four colleagues and are often abroad for longer periods. Spending weeks on the road together really builds strong connections. We’re a young team, complement each other well, and that makes the work extra fun.”
She’s also positive about Gpi as an employer: “At Gpi, you’re not just a number, even though the company has grown a lot.” The personal contact, growth opportunities, and appreciation for hard work make Britt feel at home—and proud of what she has achieved.
Future
Britt sees her future at Gpi: “The company has a place in my heart. In the coming years, I want to continue developing myself and gaining more experience—both in the Netherlands and abroad. I’m an outdoor person and I love varied work. As a supervisor, every day is different, and I work at different locations on diverse projects. We start early and work hard, but when you see what you’ve achieved at the end of the day, it’s very rewarding.”
