After completing his studies in electromechanics, Emilien (23) started as an infrastructure technician. He did that for about three years before taking a first job as a temp. For a year, he worked as a biomass boiler technician. In the fall of 2019, he went to work through IMPACT as a mechanic and specialist in water taps, shut-offs and control valves at Risterm. A successful match: one year later, Emilien signed his permanent contract there.

Despite his young age, 23-year-old Walloon Emilien already has a great deal of experience. Thus, he took his first professional steps in the role of infrastructure technician at SWDE, the main nv for the production and distribution of drinking water in Wallonia. After three years, he resolutely opted for a temporary job: for one year he worked as a technician at Biowanze, where he was responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of biomass boilers.

Yet after a year, Emilien was ready for a new challenge. In his search, Emilien wanted to be able to check off a few boxes. For example, not only the job content, but also the work schedule with hours during the day played an important role for him. And he had another specific wish. “I really want to be able to work a lot with my hands. I missed that a little too much in my previous job. Automation makes for clever things and punishing engineering, but just operating a machine every day, for example, is not for me. Let me tinker, search … ”

Emilien searched online and came across the IMPACT website through a specific job posting. He snooped around and together with our IMPACT colleagues also looked at other jobs. “One of the great advantages of applying through a temp agency is that they can also suggest other interesting jobs tailored to your needs based on your interests and wishes. That gives you extra freedom to find and choose the job you really want. Something doesn’t suit you in the end? Then it’s a flexible formula to look for something else.”

However, the latter was not necessary: almost immediately Emilien and IMPACT found a suitable job for him at Risterm. “I work there as a mechanic and take care of the maintenance of both the control valves and the other industrial elements. It is a very specific activity in which I also had to study myself well at first. But it is perfectly what I was looking for: I like the work schedule and it is a job that consists 100% of manual labor. IMPACT did a great job.”

Emilien is pleased with how quickly he found that new job with IMPACT. Indeed, a major difficulty Emilien experienced while applying for a job without the help of a staffing agency was simply whether or not he received an answer. “When you look for yourself, it often takes longer to receive an answer, schedule an interview, discuss your expectations … A temp agency helps make those things more direct. You get to the right person faster and therefore have the right feedback faster.”

In the meantime, Emilien is doing well professionally. “My first year at Risterm went extremely well. My responsibilities were expanded and in September 2020 I was allowed to sign my permanent contract. My goal is to become head of my specific department in one year, something I can only be satisfied with at my young age. I also see many opportunities to further develop myself here.”

So working with IMPACT proved to be a hit. “All IMPACT staff with whom I had contact showed great willingness to listen to my story. They took into account my wishes and suggestions and were always available to quickly answer my questions: in short, communication was always top-notch. Moreover, thanks to IMPACT, I got to know my current employer Risterm and found a nice job with stability in my professional career.”