Jakim Herrebout

“A different challenge in each project”

Jakim Herrebout is one of those employees with extensive knowledge of Heerema. He joined HFG in 1999, but from 2006 to 2009 he also worked for Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC). This cross-fertilization is quite common within the Heerema Group. There is a large variety of positions and career options, leading to interesting job opportunities within the Group.

Jakim worked himself up from welder to head of Quality Control (QC). That didn't come easy: when he decided he didn't want to remain a welder all his life, he went back to school. He went through seven years of evening classes, next to his day job: three years of Senior Technical School, and four more years at an Institute of Technology. Upon graduation Jakim joined the QC Department. But his thirst for knowledge didn't stop there; during his stint at HMC he also decided to follow a course for welding engineer.

The QC department that Jakim now heads consists of six more people. They check the quality of the materials used, the quality of the welds, whether the welders are properly certified, etc. QC is there to ensure a project complies with the applicable standards and specifications, that correct procedures are followed and that everyone involved is aware of these procedures. This can sometimes be a challenge, especially on large projects where up to hundreds of contractors are working.

“Each project holds a different challenge. It is a great place to work, and in the case of Vlissingen especially for trainees to come on board after finishing school and go through vocational training while working at the same time. If you want, you can work yourself up to wherever you want to be. It is all possible here. In my case, even though I was the one asking for further education, HFG fully supported me and paid most of my studies.”