Ria Pellikaan, a familiar face at Car Lock Systems for 18.5 years
Every time she walked in, it felt familiar. “Whenever I entered, I was always warmly welcomed. You immediately felt the close and friendly atmosphere of the company. Everyone was kind and always had time for a chat,” says Ria. At home she would often say: “Today I was at Car Lock Systems. If a suitable position ever becomes available there, I will definitely apply.”
A new challenge
And then the moment came. A vacancy advertised in Het Kontakt for a packing position of forty hours per week. Applying by email was something completely new to Ria at the time.
With help from her children, she first wrote her CV by hand, after which her daughter created a digital version. Then came the practice. First a test email to herself and then the real application.
Not long after, she received a call from the HR employee at the time, inviting her for an interview. “I was quite nervous, because I really wanted to work there,” says Ria. There was no need to worry, as a second interview followed.
Although she preferred to work between twenty-eight and thirty-two hours, the position was full time. After a trial morning on the job, she decided to go for it.
18.5 years later
The transition to full time work required some adjustment at home, but with the right motivation it worked out. What started as a leap of faith grew into a career full of development. Ria worked for many years in the packing department and eventually progressed to Logistics Team Leader.
“What is great about this company is that if you are motivated, there are real opportunities to grow,” says Ria.
Despite the company’s growth and its move to a larger location, Car Lock Systems still feels personal to her. “Even though the company has grown and moved, you are still valued as a person and not just a number,” says Ria.
On to 25 years
Ria hopes to reach twenty-five years of service, preferably with a three-day workweek. And would she recommend Car Lock Systems?
“I would recommend anyone to apply here.”