A Flexible Worker Speaks: Viktoriia and Vitalii
At the start of the war in Ukraine, Viktoriia ( 21) and her father Vitalii moved to the Netherlands with their family. They now both work at Van Loon Noord in Beilen through Flexspecialisten . Viktoriia is a job coach, and Vitalii works in the shipping department. Together, they talk about starting over in an unfamiliar country, working in food production, and why you should never be afraid to try something new.
Starting Over
Before the war, Viktoriia had never been to the Netherlands. “We came to the Netherlands because of the war, together with my mother, my father, and my older brother. At first, it took a lot of getting used to. A new country, a new language, new people. A lot of things were unclear.”
Going back home isn't an option for now. “Maybe we'd like to, but the area we're from is currently occupied. We really don't have any way of going back right now.” So, step by step, the family built a new life here.
For Viktoriia, the hardest part of moving to the Netherlands was connecting with others. “You don’t know anyone, and you’re not sure how people will react to you. But it gradually gets easier.” She first learned English and then attended school for almost a year to learn Dutch. “Now I communicate with much more confidence, and I know who to turn to when I have a question.”
From Nuclear Power Plant to Shipping
Vitalii had a completely different job in Ukraine. He worked at a nuclear power plant. “If equipment broke down, we could be called in at any time, even at two or three in the morning. Then you had to get up, drive to work, and make the repairs.”
Now he works in the department where Van Loon’s products are shipped. He prepares crates, checks products, and makes sure the labels are attached properly. “Here, everything is clearly organized according to a schedule. You come in for your shift, do your work, and then go home. That’s much more predictable.”
The language wasn't a major hurdle for him. “We don't speak the language perfectly yet, but I've never had any major problems at work. They showed us how everything works, and after that we were able to just get started.”
From Newcomer to Job Coach
Viktoriia first worked in cleaning and in the warehouse. Now she’s a job coach at Van Loon. She mentors new Flex employees, explains processes, and makes sure everything runs smoothly on the work floor. “I know firsthand how difficult it is when you’re in a new country and don’t speak the language well yet. Many employees don’t speak English or Dutch. When that happens, they can come to me. I go with them to the team leader or operator and help with translating and explaining things. That way, no one is left to fend for themselves.”
What does she like best? “Interacting with people! And when everything is well organized, the production lines are running smoothly, and everyone knows what to do.”
A Workday in Food Production
A shift begins with a set routine. “We put on our work clothes: pants, a jacket, a hairnet, and earplugs, because it’s pretty noisy. Then we wash and sanitize our hands, clean our shoes, and put on gloves, an apron, and sleeves. Only then are we allowed into the production area,” says Viktoriia. “It’s food production, so hygiene and safety are very important.”
They also had to get used to the cold working conditions. “We had never worked in such cold conditions before. But your body gets used to it. We wear warm clothes under our work clothes, and now it’s completely normal.”
Find a Job Through Flexspecialisten
The family ended up at Flexspecialisten by chance. “My mom had found some information about Flexspecialisten . She said, ‘Let’s go check it out.’ We stopped by, and that’s how it all started.”
They’ve been working through Flexspecialisten for quite some time now. “I’m satisfied,” says Viktoriia. “I like how the work is organized and how questions or problems are resolved. When we need help, we always get it. The most important thing is knowing that you always have somewhere to turn.”
Why Flexspecialisten Loves to Help Ukrainians
Viktoriia and Vitalii’s story is not unique. Through Flexspecialisten , more than a hundred Ukrainian Flex employees work for clients throughout the Netherlands. Many of them arrived here without a job, a network, or knowledge of the language. We are happy to help them find a permanent place in the job market.
It all starts with a good beginning. New employees receive an orientation on the job, safety, and hygiene rules so they know what to expect. On the job, they’re not on their own: colleagues like Viktoriia are there to help explain things in their own language. If they have questions about scheduling, their work schedule, or practical matters, they can turn to Flexsupport, our team that’s available every day to assist our Flex employees.
We also look beyond the present. Anyone who wants to grow has the opportunity to do so here. Viktoriia started as a production worker and is now a job coach. That’s exactly how we like to see it: people who are given a fair chance in a new country and who seize it with both hands.
“Don’t be afraid, and keep moving forward”
In her free time, Viktoriia enjoys hiking and traveling. “I like discovering new cities and countries.” She doesn’t quite feel at home yet, but the Netherlands has become familiar to her. “What felt new and confusing at first is now part of our daily lives.”
Her advice to anyone who’s hesitant about coming to work in the Netherlands: “Just give it a try. If you want to work, want to grow, and take your work seriously, everything will work out. Don’t be afraid if something doesn’t go right away. The most important thing is to keep trying.”
Are you looking for a job in the Netherlands? Check out our job openings on our website and find out which job is right for you. Our team will be happy to help you get started.
