Flex Employee of the Month for September 2025

This month, we’re spotlighting Jimmy Verrips as our Flex Employee of the Month! Since the beginning of this year, Jimmy has been participating in the butcher apprenticeship program Flexspecialisten at Van der Zee Slagerijen in Nijmegen. Before that, he enjoyed working as a chef in the hospitality industry for many years. However, he noticed that the irregular work hours were increasingly affecting his personal life. It was time for a new step, and it turned out to be a perfect fit.

From cook to apprentice butcher

For Jimmy, the transition to the butchery trade took some getting used to, but he now knows he made the right choice. Every day he learns something new: from cutting and processing meat to interacting with customers and maintaining the store. It’s precisely this variety that makes the work so enjoyable and challenging. His manager also sees a lot of potential in Jimmy, even with an eye toward a future leadership role—something Jimmy himself is very enthusiastic about.

A well-deserved surprise

Being named Employee of the Month came as a complete surprise to Jimmy. “I just enjoy doing my job,” he says modestly. His dedication and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated by his colleagues and supervisors.

A passion for the field and opportunities for career growth

What does Jimmy appreciate most about his new job? The chance to learn the butcher’s craft firsthand, to further develop his passion for meat, and the career advancement opportunities the job offers. His message to others working in the hospitality industry who are unsure about their future is clear:

“Any chefs who are unsure whether they want to continue working in the restaurant industry should seize this opportunity to retrain as butchers!”

Jimmy is a great example of someone who has the courage to take a new step and is fully committed to it. Congratulations, Jimmy!