What is it like to work as an operator at RIS Rubber? No two days are the same. Machines are running, moulds are being changed and colleagues help each other where necessary. But how do operators themselves experience this?
We spoke to three colleagues from production: Adriène, Johannes and Alwin. They talk about their work, their first impressions and why they enjoy working at RIS Rubber.
Adriène (53) has been working at RIS Rubber for a year now. Before that, she had various other jobs, including taxi driver and pastry chef. Yet she feels completely at home in the factory. ‘What appeals to me about this work is the rhythm,’ says Adriène. ‘You’re busy all day. There’s structure to your working day, which I like.’
During her working day, she mainly stands at the press where expansion joints are produced. She also likes to help colleagues in other parts of the factory. ‘I really enjoy that. Helping out here and there. Everyone helps each other here.’
Working in a factory with many male colleagues took some getting used to, but according to Adriène, a little humour helps. ‘It’s a man’s world. Jokes are made, you have to be able to take a bit of banter, but I’m also good at giving it back.’
She has now also obtained her forklift certificate at RIS Rubber. And learning? She is always open to that. ‘I’m curious. Some machines and products are more complicated, but I like to watch my colleagues to see how things work.’
Her advice for people who are unsure about applying is simple: ‘Just come and have a look. Spend a day with us. Everything is well organised here. Salaries are always paid on time, there’s fruit available, there are lots of treats throughout the year and communication with the office is also good.’
F.l.t.r.: Alwin, Adriène en Johannes.
Johannes (20) has been working at RIS Rubber for five months now. He came into contact with RIS Rubber through his father. ‘My father had been working here for a number of years and I was looking for work. I come from a construction background, but there was temporarily less work there. So I started here and I’m still happy with that decision.’
Johannes often works on the large presses, where various rubber products are manufactured. When he describes his working week, one word keeps coming up: variety. Every week there are different products, different presses, sometimes a completely different department. It is precisely this variety that means he never gets bored for a second.
He also likes the atmosphere. ‘It’s a factory, so it’s a different environment from construction. But the atmosphere is good. You can talk to everyone.’ What would he say to people who are unsure about a job at RIS Rubber? ‘The atmosphere is great. We work hard, but it’s also fun. If you like that, you’ll definitely fit in here.’
Alwin (25) has been working at RIS Rubber for nine months. He came across the company during a job fair organised by the UWV in Lelystad. ‘I just wanted to work again. I had been at home for a while and was looking for a place to start over. I got that chance here.’
Alwin is a real all-rounder in his work. ‘I work a lot with the large presses and help out where necessary. With moulds, for example. I’m actually a kind of flying keeper.’ According to him, there’s no sitting still. ‘I like that. You’re busy all day long. And if a colleague needs help, you jump in.’
Compared to his previous job, he experiences more freedom at RIS Rubber. ‘It’s a larger company and many things are well organised. You know where you stand in good time, for example with the planning.’
As a former welder, his technical interest lies mainly in metalworking. That’s why he hopes to develop further in the future in the metal department and mould making. His advice to those who are unsure? ‘Just come and spend a day with us. Then you’ll know immediately what you’re getting into.’
Whether you are just starting out, looking for a new direction or simply want to know what it’s like here, we would be happy to tell you more during a trial day. Take a look at our vacancies to see if there is anything that appeals to you, and we hope to hear from you soon!
