Doing an internship at VB-Airsuspension
A valuable experience in a friendly environment
Internship here, work placement there… the choice is huge, especially when you're still a student! It's the perfect opportunity to learn more about the specialism you are training for and to uncover all sorts of further opportunities. An enjoyable, busy time with plenty of opportunities to learn.
We have had the pleasure of working with many students recently, and their valuable contributions have certainly not gone unnoticed! "There's an awful lot we can learn a lot from one another" – this is the vision we shared with the students at the start of their time at VB-Airsuspension.
During their time in the organisation, we not only introduce students to the tricks of our trade, but we can learn a great deal from them in turn.
It goes without saying that we were very interested to know how they found their experience and to discover their opinion of the company now they are coming to the end of their internships and work placements. Read about their experience of life at VB-Airsuspension for Mark, Stijn, Linda, Cas, Timme, Tom and Dewy here…
FANCY DOING AN INTERNSHIP AT VB-AIRSUSPENSION? LET US KNOW!
We welcome applications on spec. Please send your application to:
VB-Airsuspension B.V.
The Human Resources department
Attn. Stephanie Kerkdijk
Postbus 130
7050 AC Varsseveld
hrm@vbairsuspension.com
Mark Rouwhorst | Process Engineering Intern
VB-Airsuspension is an open, modern company. It's a very enjoyable place to work that offers many opportunities, including for personal development.
- How did you come to do an internship at VB-Airsuspension? What made you choose VB-Airsuspension?
"I came across VB-Airsuspension on a list of potential placements when I was looking for an internship – and it immediately piqued my interest. When I visited their website and delved a bit deeper into the company, it really appealed to me. Part of this was due to my personal interest in cars and engineering. Someone else on my course had also been very positive in their comments about the company." - What has been the most memorable moment in your internship up to now?
"After I had made a design for the cobot, ordered the parts for it and actually 'made' it, I was there looking at the successful end to the project with my own eyes. That's the moment that has stayed with me the most!"
- Have you had plenty of learning opportunities during your internship?
"Absolutely. I have been able to work on several very different projects. I have also had the opportunity to work with various programs (such as the 3D CAD software Solidworks and 2D drafting program Draftsight).
I wasn't familiar with some of these programs, so it was a great opportunity to gain some experience with them." - Would you recommend doing an internship at VB-Airsuspension?
"I will definitely be recommending VB-Airsuspension as an enjoyable place to do an internship, as you will learn a great deal. This is partly down to the friendly atmosphere at VB-Airsuspension and the fact that the people there are open to ideas you come up with yourself. In other words, your internship is not just for your own benefit, but you can really make a difference to the company while you are there." - If you had to describe your internship in a single sentence, what would it be?
“My internship at VB-Airsuspension is super enjoyable, a great learning opportunity and a challenge!”
Stijn Huijer | Testing & Workshop Intern
You get a real sense that everyone is equal in the company and there are no no-go areas.
- How did you come to do an internship at VB-Airsuspension? What made you choose VB-Airsuspension?
"I took part in a workshop at VB-Airsuspension through ACE Mobility. This gave me a glimpse into the company and I was so enthusiastic about what I saw that I sent a speculative application to do my graduation project with them." - What’s the best thing you’ve done (so far) as part of your internship?
"I really enjoyed attending a test day at the ATP in Papenburg. We were able to get hands-on helping out the guys with some jobs: it means more because you are included in the process."
Have you had plenty of learning opportunities during your internship?
"Without a doubt. I am given plenty of space to organise my project as I see fit, and I am personally responsible for it. Apart from that, I am working with test and measuring equipment I have never used before, but that I now understand and can use."
- Would you recommend doing an internship at VB-Airsuspension?
"Once again: without a doubt. There's a friendly atmosphere and, if you have a question you always get a helpful response. You get a real sense that everyone is equal in the company and there are no no-go areas." - If you had to describe your internship in a single sentence, what would it be?
“Hard work and a great learning opportunity.” - VB-Airsuspension is…
… “an accessible company with employees who are passionate about what they do.”
Cas Smit | Logistics Intern
VB-Airsuspension is a very friendly, modern and innovative company.
- How did you come to do an internship at VB-Airsuspension? What made you choose VB-Airsuspension?
"I ended up doing my internship at VB-Airsuspension because of my twin brother: he had already done an internship here. The stories I heard from him really sparked my interest and I gained a very positive impression of the company during the tour. These were the main reasons I wanted to do an internship at VB-Airsuspension."
- What’s the best thing you’ve done (so far) as part of your internship?
"The best thing I’ve done at VB-Airsuspension so far is the practical research I carried out. I did a lot of observations and interviewed members of the logistics department. I learned a great deal from that and genuinely enjoyed the experience at the same time."
- Have you had plenty of learning opportunities during your internship?
"I have been able to learn much during my internship at VB-Airsuspension. This is because I am getting plenty of hands-on experience, and help and information are always there when I need them." - Would you recommend doing an internship at VB-Airsuspension?
"I would definitely recommend doing an internship at VB-Airsuspension. What I personally value is that I am given a lot of freedom when doing my research. I also receive good support and supervision from my internship supervisor and I am struck by how people are always more than happy to help me when I need it." - If you had to describe your internship in a single sentence, what would it be?
“I’m genuinely enjoying my internship at VB-Airsuspension and I'm learning a great deal.”
Timme Schenk | Engineering (Testing & Workshop) Intern
As part of my internship at VB-Airsuspension I am working on the development of a test set-up to analyse 'sideload' (lateral force) on a McPherson strut.
- How did you come to do an internship at VB-Airsuspension? What made you choose VB-Airsuspension?
"The first time I came across VB-Airsuspension was at the HAN (University of Applied Sciences) careers day in 2020. The presentation gave me a good impression and I was intrigued by the concept of air suspension. Following further research into all the products that VB-Airsuspension supplies, I was keen to do an internship at VB-Airsuspension." - What has been the most memorable moment in your internship up to now?
“Dismantling (or stripping down) a front strut to investigate the internal components.” - Have you had plenty of learning opportunities during your internship?
"Yes, I am learning a lot by doing the internship. I have learned much about both the construction and interaction of forces in a McPherson front suspension system while doing my internship project. There is also the opportunity to participate in meetings and occasionally help with other projects, so I can learn and gain experience with other areas outside of my internship project."
- Would you recommend doing an internship at VB-Airsuspension?
"I would recommend doing an internship at VB-Airsuspension. It's a great working environment. The other employees are very friendly and always happy to help you if you get stuck." - If you had to describe your internship in one sentence…
“I would say: it is a great learning opportunity and a challenge!” - VB-Airsuspension is…
“An innovative company that works to identify new developments in order to improve comfort and vehicle handling.”
Linda ter Horst | Lean Intern
A rapidly growing and unique business – they are very supportive of interns and want to help them get the most out of their placement.
- How did you come to do an internship at VB-Airsuspension? What made you choose VB-Airsuspension?
"I visited VB-Airsuspension a few years ago as part of an open day. What struck me back then was that they are an organisation that makes interesting products. When I started looking for an internship as part of my studies, my thoughts almost immediately turned to VB-Airsuspension." - What’s the best thing you’ve done (so far) as part of your internship?
“This doesn't necessarily apply to me, but what I really like is the fact that the other employees go out of their way to help you and are always happy to explain things.”
- Have you had plenty of learning opportunities during your internship?
“Yes, I certainly have! This is the first internship I have been able to do as part of my course. It’s interesting to see the theories I have learned at college being put into practice here." - Would you recommend doing an internship at VB-Airsuspension?
“Yes! It's a business with unique products in a unique sector. Not only that, but they focus strongly on improving processes – which I can't say for the other companies I looked at." - If you had to describe your internship in a single sentence, what would it be?
“An internship with plenty of opportunities to learn and be challenged!”
Tom Klein Gebbinck | Testing & Workshop Intern
A super enjoyable experience where I've been able to learn a lot. This has led me to look at the automotive industry in a completely new light. It's definitely something I want to pursue further!
- How did you come to do an internship at VB-Airsuspension? What made you choose VB-Airsuspension?
"My first introduction to VB-Airsuspension was while I was working for a motorhome business. I was very impressed by the VB-Airsuspension products I came across while I was there. Then I saw it in the college's 'list of companies' , and I instantly made up my mind to do my internship here." - What has been the most memorable moment in your internship up to now?
"Being part of a visit to the ATP (Automotive Testing Papenburg) test track in Papenburg! We did a number of tests there. It was great fun and, above all, very interesting to get to experience it for myself."
- Have you had plenty of learning opportunities during your internship?
"I have learned an awful lot during my internship at VBA. I've been able to see the company from the inside and get to know the products it makes – such as air suspension and shock absorbers. I also gained a huge amount of experience with metalworking and mechanical work on different vehicles."
- Would you recommend doing an internship at VB-Airsuspension?
"I would definitely recommend VB-Airsuspension as a place to do an internship. The friendly attitude of the other staff, the diversity of the work and the support provided made it a very enjoyable placement for me with many learning opportunities."
- VB-Airsuspension is…
… “A friendly company with good organisational structures where you can learn a lot!”
Dewy Klein Severt | Applied Psychology Student – work placement project: work and organisational psychology in the Human Resources department
A deep dive with a friendly group of people from many different backgrounds.
- How did you come to do a work placement at VB-Airsuspension? What made you choose to do your work placement project at VB-Airsuspension?
"From my specialisation in work and organisational psychology, I started looking for a practical work placement where I could do my college projects. My college suggested that I look for HR intern vacancies. I came across the position of 'HR intern' at VB-Airsuspension through Indeed and immediately got in touch. In other words, there was no specific reason, but I was looking to gain experience in a range of areas."
- What's the best thing you've done (so far) as part of your work placement?
"I can't honestly name a specific moment. I find everyone on the shop floor friendly and the atmosphere is fantastic. The fact that staff come into the office not only for the serious side of doing their job, but also because they enjoy being part of the team (and snatching the odd sweet!) – that’s what I like. I feel at home here among this group of people."
- Do you have plenty of learning opportunities at VB-Airsuspension?
"Yes, I'm certainly learning a lot, especially because the college assignments have thrown me in at the deep end. I no longer have my fellow students to fall back on. I have to get on with it myself – in part by working with people I'd never met before." - Would you recommend VB-Airsuspension to other students?
"It all depends on what course the student is doing, of course. I do believe that at VB-Airsuspension you learn a lot about yourself and you can flourish as a person. Being placed in an unfamiliar environment with new people where you have to use your own initiative and talents is very good for your own learning journey and confidence. That's what I would like to share with other students." - VB-Airsuspension is…
… "A company where people are very open to questions and possibilities. They are always happy to help when there's something you need."
A huge thank you to all our interns for sharing your experience at VB-Airsuspension. We wish you every success in your future careers! And, who knows, our paths may yet cross again. Because... our door is always open to friends old and new!
Are you or do you know someone who is still looking for an interesting internship, graduation internship or work placement? There could be more options out there than you think! VB-Airsuspension has grown to encompass 26 departments, and we are happy to consider your application to any of them. For instance, we can offer internships in Engineering, Testing & Workshop, Quality, Procurement, Logistics, HR, IT, Finance, Sales and other departments. We are also able to offer a wide range of options for (work) placements on the administrative side, such as in Sales or Procurement. Have we piqued your interest? Please feel free to get in touch.