Radek draaide zijn weg naar Nederland

Our T-Pionier: Radek

Radek has been working since May 2026 as a CNC Machinist at JBT Marel, a job he found with the help of T-Pion.  He learned CNC turning and milling in the Czech Republic and has over fifteen years of experience. He came to the Netherlands for three months, seven years ago. Today he’s still building his career here.

What’s your technical background?

Radek grew up in the Czech Republic, in a region full of technical industry. After primary school, he went to a school for metalworking. “After the technical school, I had to choose what to do next, and I chose CNC programming, turning and milling.”

He started at a local company during his studies, then moved on to the aircraft industry, where he learned precision work with aluminium and special materials. When there was no more room to grow, he moved on. His next employer became the most important step in his career. He started on manual lathes, learned to write his own CNC programs and soon worked independently, from raw material to finished product.

After about seven years, he was ready for something new. “I wanted to explore new cities, new experiences.” He spent two years in Prague, then came the offer to work in the Netherlands. “We agreed to try it for three months. Now I’m here already seven years.”

In the Netherlands, he first worked in Goor, where he became Team Leader after a year and a half, the first colleague from abroad in that role. “That was a milestone for me.” He then worked for three and a half years in Hengelo. Since May 2026, he has been working at JBT Marel through T-Pion.

What does your job ‘CNC Mechanic’ involve?

Radek works on high-tech machines and makes complex parts independently. “It’s not just pressing the green button, like some people think. It’s precise and difficult work.”

Every day is different, and that is what he likes about his job. Besides the work, we have three daily breaks where the team drink a lot of coffee. “We then talk about the products and share how to tackle the challenges that we are facing. “

What makes working at Marel fun?

The people and the work. The high-tech industry fascinates him, so working for a company that includes high-tech machines- and products makes his work even more exciting. Besides, he likes that he works in a small group, and that they are also friends, not just colleagues. 

In the near future, Radek wants to learn Dutch. “Drawings are a universal language, and my colleagues speak English with me. But I’d like to understand them better.” He’s about going to start Dutch lessons soon.

What’s it like working through T-Pion?

Radek has a good experience with T-Pion. “I don’t have any problems with T-Pion, and I think that’s the most important thing.”

But it’s more than just no problems. T-Pion helps him work on his goals. Because he works through T-Pion, he has a budget to spend on his own development and wellbeing. He used the budget for personal training and the Dutch lessons he’s about to start.

In short: “I think T-Pion does everything possible to help me achieve my goals.” – Radek