Learn as much as possible
‘My work as a sales engineer at Van Leeuwen Buizen is both commercial and technical. It’s a nice combination and it’s also why I decided to apply here in the first place. What else do I like? I like all the help you get to make the job your own. There’s also plenty of room for personal initiative, and I can always ask colleagues or go to my manager if I have any queries. The fact that people often stay with Van Leeuwen for a long time and are loyal and proud of their company shows that Van Leeuwen is a good employer. The company provides good career opportunities for its younger employees. I spent my first few months here in different departments, which gave me a lot of experience and a good idea of what goes on in the company. The introductory course I’m doing for two hours a week is teaching me all the ins and outs of the trade. And as an international company, Van Leeuwen has even more training options. I want to learn as much as possible and maybe work in a branch in another country one day. There are more than enough challenges as far as that’s concerned!’
Robert van der Deijl (1979), sales engineer, joined Van Leeuwen 16 June 2008

Promotion
‘Because I come from Hungary, I thought that working for a Dutch company wouldn’t be for me. But Van Leeuwen Buizen is internationally oriented and I was able to put my language skills to good use. I’m a project manager for customers in the German market who have materials delivered to the Middle East. My last job was with an American company with a flat management structure and not much in the way of promotion opportunities. I find Van Leeuwen Buizen much more challenging. Not long after I arrived I said that I thought I could handle more in my job and was given my own projects earlier than I’d expected. Personal initiative is valued very highly. And there’s plenty of opportunity to grow and develop in your own position with support from experienced colleagues. I’ve now finished the project management course my manager suggested. It’s an international course that lasts a week and I did it with a group of colleagues from other countries. Outside work I’m doing a university course and next week I’m starting a German language course to improve my technical vocabulary. So there’s no time for sitting around!’
Henriett Madacsi (1978), project manager, joined Van Leeuwen 1 April 2007

Room for personal input
‘What I think is fantastic about this company is that you can go for promotion really quickly if that’s what you want. It also gives me room for personal input and the chance to make decisions.’
Niels Toussaint (1981), started as a trainee, now Inventory Management team leader, joined Van Leeuwen 2 January 2006

Developing knowledge and skills
‘After graduating I applied for the Van Leeuwen management traineeship. Two things that really attracted me than, and still attract me now, is the fact that Van Leeuwen is a very commercial and international orientated company. Working for an international trading company with offices all over the world means that you can really develop your skills and that there are ample opportunities to work abroad. After my first year in Holland I moved to the UK where I worked for 2,5 years, at the moment I am preparing for my next step to Indonesia. I can truly say that there are loads of challenges and opportunities at Van Leeuwen’
Joris de Vries (1980), started as a trainee, now General Manager Indonesia, joined Van Leeuwen 3 October 2005.

Training on the job 
'After graduating I was really interested in working for an international company and to go abraod myself. I found those two possibilities at Van Leeuwen. The first 6 months of my traineeship I was working in Zwijndrecht (The Netherlands) to learn more about the disciplines, systems and products of the company, after which I started working in Southampton (UK) as a Junior Accountmanager. By training on the job and guidance of my manager and colleagues I became familiar with the world of pipes, tubes, fittings and flanges. After 1,5 years in England, Van Leeuwen offered me the opportunity to further develop myself as Project Manager in Dubai, where I am already working for 2,5 years. Besides international opportunities, Van Leeuwen offers chances to develop yourself and to grow, in areas outside your everyday work.
David Groos (1979), started as a trainee, Project Manager, joined Van Leeuwen 1 September 2004.