Meet Bernadetta
From production worker to team leader
I moved from Poland to the Netherlands in 2020 and started at Plukon as a production worker. It was my first job. At first, I barely spoke any Dutch and had to get used to the work and the pace. But I kept wanting to learn more. I became an operator, then a line operator, worked as an order picker and earned several certificates.
Later, I got the opportunity to support a team leader. Today, I am a team leader myself and also take over some of my department manager’s responsibilities when needed.
“I’ve been able to grow here step by step. But you do have to show that you want to move forward.”
Just ask and do it
Growth starts with initiative
Whenever I felt I knew my job well, I usually wanted to learn something new. So I would go to my manager and simply ask what else was possible. Can I learn to operate this machine? Can I take a course? Can I take on more responsibility? Often, I was given that opportunity.
I think there is a lot you can learn at Plukon, but you have to show that you want it. For me, every next step started with taking initiative.
“Feedback motivates me. It helps you grow.”
The people make the difference
You need to be able to rely on each other
What I enjoy most about my work is the contact with people. As a team leader, I want colleagues to feel they can come to me. If someone needs a day off or is struggling with something, I try to think along with them.
And it works both ways. I know people are there for me when I need them too. That matters to me. Working together goes both ways. Over the years, I’ve made good friends here. Some colleagues even feel a bit like family. I moved to the Netherlands when I was young and was on my own at first. A team like that means a lot.
Stay strong and keep going
Criticism can help you move forward too
My first few years weren’t always easy. Sometimes I was told that I wasn’t doing something well enough or fast enough. For me, that became motivation to improve. I’m still proud of that.
I started as a production worker and today I’m a team leader. My advice to someone thinking about joining Plukon? Work for what you want to achieve, talk to people and take the opportunities you get. You don’t have to know everything from day one. If you keep learning and show what you want, you can move forward step by step.
