Field Service Technician
Tom Mannaerts
My name is Tom Mannaerts, I’m 25 years old and I live in Zemst. I’ve been working at SMT for about 2.5 years now. I started in the workshop, where I worked for almost two years, and have since moved on to the field service team.
During my studies, I’d already developed a keen interest in hydraulics and heavy machinery. I ended up at SMT through a friend. The combination of engineering, large machines and the location close to home made the choice an easy one.
What struck me straight away at SMT...
…is that you’re given opportunities to grow here. You’re encouraged to take the initiative; that responsibility and freedom make the work really fascinating for me.
These days, I work in the field, carrying out maintenance and repairs for customers directly on site. It’s special to see machines in their ‘natural’ habitat and to experience how they’re actually used. You visit a wide variety of sites and discover time and again just how broad the range of applications actually is.
I also enjoy the direct contact with customers and operators. You hear their stories, see the challenges they face and can respond to them. When you find a solution on the spot and everything is running smoothly again, it gives an immediate, tangible result. That combination of technology, variety and human contact is what makes every day interesting for me.
I experience the family atmosphere at SMT particularly in the way colleagues interact with one another. Everyone is approachable, helpful and there’s always someone you can turn to. The company culture clearly revolves around respect and care for people.
Events such as St Elooi’s Day and other activities throughout the year also ensure that you get to know your colleagues better in a more informal setting. That strengthens the bonds between us and, in my view, contributes to SMT’s ‘family-like’ character.
Why choose SMT?
Because the atmosphere is great, you can always turn to someone for help, and you’re given plenty of opportunities to develop yourself. It’s a place where people work hard, but where there’s also room for fun and camaraderie.
