Work for technicians in the Netherlands – how to prepare for the trip?

Working for technicians in the Netherlands can be a very good career step, but the trip should be prepared just as concretely as a technical project. What matters are documents, experience, VCA, accommodation, transport, the form of cooperation, and whether you really know what position you are applying for. The better you describe your skills, the easier it is to match you with a good offer.

Where to start the preparation?

First, determine what type of work you are looking for. Technician is a broad term. For one company, it will be an assembly worker, for another an industrial electrician, electromechanic, steel structure fitter, cable tray fitter, or maintenance worker. Therefore, before talking to the agency, prepare a list of the tasks you have actually performed.

If you are looking for offers through My Work B.V., start with the page for employees. You will see the most important technical profiles there, and it will be easier for you to match your experience to a specific position.

Technical CV - the candidate's most important document

A CV does not have to be long, but it must be specific. Write whether you have worked with steel structures, cable trays, grounding, I&C (Instrumentation, Control and Automation), switchboards, machinery, service, or maintenance. Add tools, materials, industries, blueprint reading skills, languages, and readiness to travel. You can find a detailed guide here: Technical CV for working in the Netherlands.

Documents and certificates

Prepare a valid ID card or passport, CV, phone number with WhatsApp, course certificates, driving license, and information on whether you have a BSN number. The VCA certificate is very important, especially for industrial and energy projects. If you don't have it yet, read the guide VCA certificate in the Netherlands.

Accommodation, transport and the first day

Before leaving, ask about the accommodation, cost, number of people in the room, commute to work, start time, and contact person. Good organizational conditions are important because even an attractive rate loses its meaning if you don't know where you are living and how you are commuting to the project. It is also worth reading checklist before leaving for technical work.

How to talk to an agency?

Speak specifically. State what you did, what you didn't do, what language you know, whether you can leave immediately, whether you have a car, and what form of cooperation you are looking for. Do not inflate your skills, because on the project it will quickly come out whether your experience matches your declarations. A good agency doesn't need a fairy tale, but a true candidate profile.