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.

Daniel works as a Skill Pool Manager and Master Planner at Ventilex, a company based in Heerde, Gelderland, that is internationally known for its drying and processing solutions for the process industry. Originally from South Africa, he has been living in the Netherlands for some time. His story is one of gradual growth, learning to navigate change, and trusting in his own abilities.

His move to the Netherlands began with a message on LinkedIn. At the time, Daniel was working as a Lead Engineer and Project Manager at a company in South Africa. He was looking for a new challenge, and Yes tech careers offered him that opportunity.

A new beginning

Yes tech careers not only guided him toward a position at Ventilex but also supported him throughout the entire process around it. “They arranged language lessons for me, even while I was still in South Africa. They also handled the IND procedure for my residence permit, my flight tickets, housing, even a viewing for a place to live. When I arrived in the Netherlands, I was picked up from the airport and brought to my home. Those kinds of things made all the difference.”

Daniel started at Ventilex through Yes tech careers as team lead of the knowledge management department. When an internal position as Master Planner became available, he seized the opportunity. “I applied, and fortunately it worked out well.” In his current role he is responsible for the full project planning process from the order date to final delivery. “I keep the overview, not just within the planning teams but also in relation to sales and management. I monitor workload, capacity and the bigger picture. Departments create their own planning but I connect those worlds.”

Yes also offered professional development through the Smart Skills program – a development program for tech professionals in collaboration with Saxion University of Applied Sciences. “I expected to sharpen my leadership skills, and that’s exactly what happened. The program gave me more insight into myself, into how I function and how I approach my work. The theory, the conversations, the reflection. I carry that with me in my daily work.”

Between sentences and insights

The start in the Netherlands wasn’t always easy. “Getting along with colleagues went well—people were friendly, but the language was a challenge. That’s why I immediately started taking higher-level language classes after arriving. That really helped. After three months I noticed it was becoming easier.”

What drives him is not just the content of the work, but the opportunity to keep learning. “Reflection is important to me. You don’t always need to take a course to grow. Just thinking about what you do and what could be improved. That’s how you learn. A little bit every day.”