Interview Rick Thijssen

From trainee to permanent contract

A few years ago, the 23-year-old engineer Rick who now has a permanent contract with Marcelissen did not quite know which direction to go in.

Mechanical engineering as a basis

“I wanted to do something technical, but I didn’t know what direction to go in, so I chose mechanical engineering because it is a broad field of study. Being in this field I experience the advantages of my education”, says Rick. Fortunately, the chosen education has a lot in common with the work Rick does at Marcelissen. “Although I have to admit that you learn a lot more on the job, by just doing it”.

During the final year of the Mechanical Engineering course at Fontys Hogeschool in Eindhoven, Rick received a message on LinkedIn from general manager Jos Derijk, asking if he was interested in a graduation project. Which is how he ended up at Marcelissen. “The feeling was immediately right, and the assignment to do a re-design of the Slitmaster as my graduation project appealed to me as well.”

One year ago and now

Rick started working as an engineer a year ago. In the engineering team, he is responsible for drawing, designing and constructing machines. “We work closely together in our team with all separate areas of expertise. In one year, I have learned a lot and I can’t wait to discover what else is on my path”.

The trigger to stay

Marcelissen is a great company that makes beautiful machines. But for Rick the trigger to stay is the pleasant atmosphere within the organisation. The informal setting and the small scale really appeal to him.

“At Marcelissen I am not just drawing, I can actually see the machines and speak with the welders and mechanics, this makes the work extra fun. You can quickly switch when there is something wrong with a machine. This is very important to me and Marcelissen has it all!”