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Breaking barriers: Sylvana’s journey as a female process operator trainee at Heros Sluiskil

  • Candidate Story

Technical Solutions

Sylvana, a driven trainee process operator at Heros Sluiskil, speaks with passion about her work in the process industry. At just 27, she has already taken a path that ultimately led her into this field. In an open and personal interview, Sylvana shares her experiences, challenges, and successes on her journey to becoming a qualified operator.

“I was actually the very first female operator at Heros Sluiskil. More women are joining now, but I see it as a strength to show that women can do this job too.”

“I’m Sylvana, I’m 27 years old, originally from Terneuzen, and I’ve been working for a year as a trainee process operator at Heros Sluiskil,” she begins. She talks about her background as a pharmacy assistant, a career she left behind after three years to pursue her true passion. “I always wanted to become a process operator,” she explains. “But my parents suggested that, as a girl, I should go into healthcare instead. After a few years I realized that it just wasn’t for me.”

At Heros Sluiskil, Sylvana has various responsibilities. Her focus is on running processes and solving any malfunctions. “We’re constantly on the move, both inside and outside, checking everything and fixing issues ourselves. What I love about working at Heros Sluiskil is the freedom I’m given. Plus, the atmosphere at work is really positive,” she says. Sylvana works in a small, close-knit team consisting of an experienced operator and a lead operator, with teams typically varying between two and three people per week.

“If you can clearly explain your motivation and they’re just as enthusiastic as you are, then the decision is obvious.”

Her path into the process industry wasn’t without obstacles. Sylvana remembers well how many training institutions were hesitant due to her lack of prior experience and qualifications in the field. Then, through a Facebook post, she came into contact with Wiertz Technical Solutions and decided to apply. She was invited for an interview right away to discuss the training program she was interested in and immediately found an environment where her motivation was taken seriously. “From the very beginning, I felt respected,” she recalls of her application process. “If you can clearly explain your motivation and they’re just as enthusiastic about it as you are, then the choice is obvious.”

Before starting at Heros Sluiskil, Sylvana still had to obtain her VCA certificate. She explains: “When I first joined Heros Sluiskil, I didn’t have my VCA yet, so I couldn’t start right away. I mentioned this, and Wiertz immediately took action. That was such a relief. Thanks to Wiertz Technical Solutions, I was able to obtain my VCA quickly and get started right away!”

“I would really love to see more women working in process technology.”

As a female operator in a predominantly male environment, Sylvana has experienced both the challenges and the joys of her unique position. “I actually enjoy working in a male-dominated world,” she reflects. “I was the very first female operator at Heros Sluiskil. More women are joining now, but I see it as a strength to show that women can do this too.”

Looking back on her journey, Sylvana shares her hopes for the future of women in the process industry. “I would really love to see more women working in process technology,” she says with a smile. “I think many women are held back because it’s known as a ‘man’s job.’ But if you show that you’re motivated, the men are more than willing to help and support you.”

“I got through the training quite easily.”

After one year at Heros Sluiskil, Sylvana is already nearing the end of her training program. Her dedication and eagerness to learn have helped her progress quickly. “I got through the training quite easily,” she shares. “I’ve been at Heros for one year now, and I only have my practical exam left. That means I’ll have completed the program in just one year, even though it normally takes two.”

Alongside her working hours, Sylvana also had to spend time on her studies. She explains: “Besides work, I did my school assignments, and often I could immediately apply them in practice. Because things were explained to me directly, I understood everything much faster. The mix of practice and theory taught me a lot in a short period of time. After work, I would go online to complete my theory and assignments, but it wasn’t every day. Once a month, I had to attend four hours of classes on location.”

The only topic Sylvana found a bit more challenging was the chapter on gas pressure, since it isn’t used at Heros Sluiskil. To solve this, she and her supervisor from Litop met up at the office to go through the chapter together. “That extra school day and the support were really helpful. With that guidance, I was able to move forward again right away,” says Sylvana.

Life as a trainee process operator combines both working and learning. Sylvana talks about her shifts, which alternate every week. “One week I work the afternoon shift, the next week the morning shift,” she explains. “I personally prefer the early shift, since you still have most of your day ahead of you. That shift runs from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM.”

What’s next?

Sylvana has complete confidence in her future at Heros Sluiskil and the opportunities the company offers. She feels valued and sees plenty of chances to grow her career further. When we asked Sylvana about her ambitions for the future, she replied: “I’ve already said that I’d like to complete the Vapro B certification after this. And my personal goal is to become a head operator at Heros Sluiskil in the future.”

You’re never too late to start, begin your own success story today!

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