Afbeelding
My work
“I’ve been working for three years now with a small group of colleagues in the ASTRON canteen, where together we prepare lunch for around 70 to 90 people a day. The mustard soup we make every Wednesday is the most popular dish for many people. I do this work four days a week. In addition, I have been training at reception for a few months now, where I act as a stand-in when staff are off sick or on leave. I really enjoy this combination of two jobs. I like the contact with people, as well as the variety in the work. You can just be yourself here. There are opportunities for career progression at ASTRON. I really enjoy the fact that I’ve gone from being a catering assistant to a receptionist.”
My background
“I ended up at ASTRON through a catering company. Before I got into catering, I worked for 13 years as a store manager at a retail chain. I’ve had a contract with ASTRON for a year now. It’s great to feel like I’m part of the team now. Since I’ve been training at reception, I’ve been using a computer for work. That was never the case before. It’s really nice to be learning that here. At reception, it involves a bit more thinking, and in the canteen it’s important to get the sandwiches ready on time, have a chat and leave the kitchen tidy again. I enjoy the contact with people in both roles the most.”
The organisation
“I find the people at ASTRON to be very helpful and everyone takes the time to explain things when asked. With the very diverse backgrounds of staff and the international guests we regularly welcome, ASTRON is a highly diverse organisation. In that respect, the former director’s farewell has stayed with me. Everyone had rehearsed a skit, and that’s when you see your colleagues from a completely different angle. It was really funny to watch.”