I very quickly realized that the port was really something for me. I also had a number of mates who had already done an apprenticeship here and they too were full of praise! My mind was made up. That summer I was to apply for a student job at the crane department. Soon after, the real work began for me and I signed a permanent contract at PSA.
My diploma was certainly not a prerequisite to start in this job but in many ways it has helped me to apply what I have learnt on the job. As a school leaver, it was important to me to remain open to PSA’s wide range on offer and not be pushed into a pigeon hole or a specialization too early.
What I like so much about my job? The variety! Everything can change here so quickly. In many cases you never know what the day will bring. The three-shift system and the opportunity for weekend work offer a degree of flexibility I enjoy a lot. At quiet moments, you also have the opportunity to take the initiative, increase your knowledge and learn things in more depth. And finally, the view of course! Who can claim to work in such spectacular surrounds every day? The boats, the port, the cranes,…"

As load inspector I plan the loading of the containers onto the ships. I am the link between several people on the quay and have multiple contacts with agencies and other terminals abroad. 10% of my time is also spent off the quay, following, checking and supporting activities on the work floor. Which makes my job all the more interesting. And working shifts during the week also means I have time to organize the odd practical things (like going to the bank).”

After graduating from high school I started work as a warehouse clerk for a wholesaler of computer components. I look back fondly on the four years I worked there, but something was telling me there was more. It was then that I bought a motorbike and got more and more interested in technology. I decided to swap the work floor for the school bench and began studies towards a Bachelor of Auto Technology. Three years later, I have a good theoretical grounding and the opportunity at PSA to put a lot of things into practice. Admittedly I still have a lot to learn. I had, for instance, never seen a straddle carrier close up, but that’s what makes it exciting. You also get a lot of room from the start to work independently without someone constantly looking over your shoulder. On the other hand, my colleagues are always there to offer advice if you need it. And shift work is a real bonus in my opinion. It means you still have the day to get all sorts of things done before and after office hours. "