28 September 2023
Harm Haazen remembers the moment well. "Last August, it was already five years ago," he says as he reflects on the time he has spent at AAE. Harm started his journey at AAE with a BBL track and has developed himself over the past five years into an indispensable all-round mechanic. In this blog, get to know his story and discover how self-development and a human touch are at the heart of his work.
"Five years ago, I was at a technology event in the area and there I came across AAE. I struck up a conversation with one of the employees and he managed to spark my enthusiasm for a career at AAE. Not much later, I sent an email for a job and the rest is history," Harm says with a smile.
In five years as an all-round mechanic, Harm has experienced a lot. "There have definitely been times when we have had to go full throttle. Personally, I don't mind that, as long as it stays in balance, and that is usually the case. Fortunately, I work with valuable colleagues who motivate me during those periods. When I have a good group of people around me, I get motivated. The atmosphere and dynamics in my team are great: we are serious when necessary, but there is always room for a joke."
The human aspect in Harm's work and team comes out not only when the pressure is high, but also in the openness among themselves. "I really like the fact that we express appreciation to each other. It doesn't have to be elaborate praise, but a simple compliment is enough. This creates a safe environment where it is possible to make mistakes and admit them. Of course, we would rather not make mistakes, but mistakes are human, and both the team and managers understand that. That does make me happy."
An insatiable hunger for self-development
It is not just the bond with colleagues and the human aspect that has kept Harm at AAE for five years. In recent years, he has taken every opportunity to develop himself. "I started here with my BBL track, which allowed me to combine working and learning, but after that I was given plenty of other opportunities to grow. The great thing about AAE is that you can specify yourself what you want to learn, and often you are given the space to do so."
And Harm seizes those opportunities with both hands. "After my BBL track, I realised that I did not yet know much about electronics and that I saw a lot of potential there. I discussed this with my manager, and shortly afterwards I took an electrical course. And I didn't stop there; after that I also took other courses, such as laser safety, handling hazardous substances, VCA, and I still want to get my NEN 3140 certification. I love learning new things, which is why I grab these opportunities with both hands. Within AAE, there is also an online training portal where I can be found regularly."
Ambitions for the future
Harm also has ambitions beyond gaining new knowledge. "Besides my personal development, I want to continue developing within AAE. I like the idea of leading a group. I have no ambition to lead an entire department, but a group of 10 to 15 people seems sufficient to me. The idea of working together to realise such wonderful machines within AAE really appeals to me. I still see plenty of opportunities and possibilities and that keeps me excited"
Like Harm, would you like to develop yourself, or perhaps take a BBL training course through AAE? Then take a look at our vacancies or contact us.
