“From the day my brother, father and I attended an open day at the Maritime School it was clear to me: I wanted to go sailing! At that time I was in grade 8 of primary school and so I knew very early on what I wanted (in contrast to my brother, who only had a blue Monday at the Maritime school).

Everything I was looking for
Only when the internships came into view, I started to study the different shipping companies. I ended up on the Wagenborg website and a moment later I wrote my application e-mail. Wagenborg offered everything I was looking for and even more!
My first internship was at the Azoresborg. What a beautiful ship, three cranes, a beautiful engine room: I was amazed. At the same time I found it very exciting. I was curious how life on board would work and how I would like to be away from home so long and long.

Great crew
It was a fantastic time. Everything was new, that made every day special. The crew was great, just like the fellow apprentices. For example, we made a video clip and we were playing with the Beegees ‘Staying Alive’ crew. Hilarious! The atmosphere on board was really good and that also made sure that the time flew by. Of course, less fun things have happened. Bad news from home, for a stupid mistake on my head (because “stupid mistakes” exist).

Grown
I am now working on my second internship. I notice how much I have grown. My uncertainty has turned into self-assurance and now I know that “feeling stupid” does not exist."