Ready for the future with young talent

We believe it’s important to give young people the opportunity to discover the wonderful world of interior design with us. Harmeling Interiors is an accredited training company for interns and apprenticeship students. We’re eager to teach young professionals the finer points of the trade. And of course, we learn from them too, because learning is a lifelong process.

Our work-study programs

Every year, new BBL/BOL students begin their work-study programs. BBL students work with us 4 days a week and attend school 1 day a week. BOL students work with us for 10 or 20 weeks and then return to school. These young professionals are enrolled in the furniture maker/ (ship) interior builder program at levels 2, 3, or 4 at various local vocational schools. We asked Jeroen, Gerben, and Elize what they think of the work-study program and how they experience Harmeling as an internship company.

Feeling at home in a large company

Jeroen Waterink has now completed his program. “My parents own a business in the kitchen industry, and I’ve been helping out every Saturday since I was 12. I’m enrolled in the Entrepreneurial Furniture Maker program at ROC van Twente. Harmeling wasn’t even my first choice. It’s such a big company—how do you find your place there? I started in the work planning department. Occasionally, I’d tag along with the installers, and honestly, that appealed to me much more. I enjoyed it so much that I now work as a technician at Harmeling. Because I’ve worked in different departments, I’m getting to know more and more people and learning more about the company. I’m glad I chose Harmeling. You get the chance to figure out where your passion lies. Harmeling is a great big company, but the atmosphere is pleasant and it feels familiar.”

More women in the trade!

Elize Boelsma started her work-study program in February. She is one of the few girls at school. ‘I ended up at Harmeling through school. I have a real passion for working with wood. What I love about wood is that you can shape it into all kinds of forms, sizes, and colors. I’m in my first year of training, so I’ve actually just started. By doing a variety of tasks, like gluing, sanding, and screwing wood, I learn a little more every day. It’s okay to make mistakes, and everyone is willing to help you. And to all the girls out there, I want to say: choose this wonderful profession too, because you can learn so much and you’re being creative all day long!”

From a room full of pallets to a fully stocked store

Gerben Baan is also a BBL student and works four days a week at Harmeling. ‘I started in the workshop. There, you learn the ins and outs of the trade and get to know the different materials well. I’m out and about a lot as a technician. My creativity is put to the test every day. If something doesn’t match the drawing, you have to come up with a solution on the spot to finish it neatly. At school, you learn a lot of theory, but you learn the most in practice. Just do a lot and ask experienced colleagues. What I like best is seeing a whole room full of pallets and carts at the start of the day. By coffee break, the first outlines are taking shape, and by the end of the day, it starts to look more and more like a real store. When you then hand over the space in perfect order and the customer gives you a big compliment, that’s when I feel proud! At Harmeling, no two projects or days are the same.”

Learning from a mentor

The apprentices receive one-on-one guidance from enthusiastic mentors. Harmeling has no fewer than 7 mentors. One of them is Michell Luttenberg. During the training program, apprentices master various practical skills. The mentor observes you on the work floor, gives you instructions when necessary, and helps you learn all the skills properly.

A behind-the-scenes look

Are you also interested in the interior design profession and would you like to get a behind-the-scenes look at our company? Then please contact Ted Tibben (t.tibben@harmeling.nl). You can find the most up-to-date apprenticeship programs and internships at stagemarkt.nl.