Peter en Ruan — Working at Rademaker
Once the plane tickets were booked, I realized it was all really happening
Peter works as Team Leader Field Assembly at Rademaker in Culemborg. Through Yes tech careers, he strengthens his team with international technical talent, including Ruan from South Africa. We spoke with both about the search for skilled technical professionals, the move to the Netherlands, and the role of guidance and development in building a successful collaboration.
29 July 2026
2 min. lezen
For Ruan, that was the moment when an idea became reality. Until then, it had still been an opportunity. A possibility. But from that moment on, it became real. Leaving South Africa behind and moving to the Netherlands for a job at a company he had only known through conversations and images.
I wanted more. More opportunities, more growth. South Africa can feel quite isolated at times,” says Ruan. “I wanted to discover what else is out there.” That ambition led him to Rademaker in Culemborg, a company that develops industrial bakery equipment and builds complete production lines for customers worldwide. It is a technical, international environment where development is central. But before you can grow, you need new talent coming in. And that was exactly where the challenge began.
Peter, Team Leader Field Assembly, witnessed it firsthand. The workload continued to grow, but finding the right people became increasingly difficult. “It is simply difficult to attract qualified technical talent,” he says.
Through HR, Rademaker came into contact with Yes tech careers. Initially, the focus was on engineering, but it soon became clear that the need was much broader. Additional support was also required in assembly and Field Assembly. What followed was not a quick hire, but a carefully structured process. Candidates were interviewed and later invited to the Netherlands to experience the work environment firsthand. “You can explain a lot through Teams, but people also need to see it for themselves,” says Peter. “You need to know what you’re stepping into.” For Peter, that was essential. Technical skills matter, but so does finding someone who fits. Not only in the role, but also within the team. “At first, you do wonder whether someone will adapt. A new culture, a different country. That’s a big step,” he explains. Those concerns were there, but reality quickly proved otherwise.
“They really took away all the stress surrounding the move to the Netherlands. ”
Ruan Louwrens, Technical Engineer at Rademaker
For Ruan, it all started with a message on LinkedIn. An initial conversation, followed by another. What stood out to him was how quickly everything became clear. “The opportunity was so good that I saw no reason not to do it,” says Ruan.
From that moment on, Yes tech careers took over the process. From coordinating discussions with Rademaker to handling all practical matters. Administration, visas, and relocation. “They really took away all the stress surrounding the move to the Netherlands,” says Ruan. Before long, he was in the Netherlands. A new environment, a new language, and a new way of working. The first few weeks took some adjustment, which is completely natural.
“It is difficult to attract qualified technical talent. ”
Peter van Bakel, Team Leader Field Assembly at Rademaker
Our goal is for people to be able to independently start up production lines within 18 to 20 months,” Peter explains. At Rademaker, new colleagues are given time. It is not a fast-track onboarding process, but a development journey in which people are gradually trained and supported. Step by step, with guidance and room to learn. For Ruan, that brought peace of mind. He did not have to know everything right away. “If you understand a little Dutch, you pick things up quickly,” says Ruan. “After that, everything starts to fall into place.” That development is clearly visible on the work floor. Colleagues involve him, share their knowledge, and make him part of the team. “The working environment is great. The people are friendly. You quickly feel like part of the team,” says Ruan.
For Peter, this was the moment it became clear that the approach works. What started with uncertainty turned into confidence. “When you see how things are going now, it’s incredibly positive,” he says. And that’s not only reflected in the people who join the company, but also in everything that surrounds the process. Arranging housing, transportation, and ongoing support makes a real difference. “They basically take care of everything,” Peter explains. “That takes a huge weight off our shoulders.”
What started as a solution to a shortage has grown into a way of working. Looking beyond borders, carefully selecting candidates, and then investing in their development. For Ruan, the conclusion is clear.
It was the right choice. I’m learning a lot and I’m genuinely happy that I made this move,” says Ruan. For us at Yes Tech Careers, that is exactly where the value lies. It is not just about making the match, but about supporting everything that comes afterward. That is where the real difference is made.
Our success stories
Daniel Strydom — Ventilex
“Reflection is essential to me. By consciously reflecting each day on what I do and what could be improved, I continue to grow step by step.”
Chris du Preez — Rademaker
“South Africa focuses on performance; the Netherlands values work-life balance ”
Alexander Wasserman — Dewulf
“I continuously improve my hard skills daily to develop innovative agricultural solutions.”
