A day in the life of an ANWB roadside mechanic
Imagine: after a long flight you arrive at Schiphol tired yet satisfied. But when you get to the car park, you find out that your car won't start... Luckily, Aris Krijger – roadside mechanic for the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club) – is there to help you on your way again. Aris tells us all about a typical day working in roadside assistance.
Starting out as a roadside mechanic
Aris began his professional life in a Volkswagen garage in Enkhuizen. At the age of 24, he got the chance to fulfil his dream of becoming a roadside mechanic. 'When a colleague retired in 1996, a vacancy opened up at Schiphol. I seized the opportunity and have been here ever since.'
Changing tyres
Together with two other colleagues, Aris works busy shifts in which he helps stranded travellers get back on the road again. 'Changing tyres, replacing and recharging batteries, opening car bonnets, repairing lights, solving cooling issues, and a lot more besides.' All common jobs for roadside mechanics. 'Here at Schiphol, we frequently need to help get cars started, mainly because they have been stationary for a long time.'
Different kinds of people
Interacting with people is, without a doubt, what makes Aris' job so enjoyable. 'I see so many different kinds of people here and I enjoy talking with them. When you take your car to the garage, you don't go further than the front desk, the mechanics work in the back. Here, people stand next to us as we work.'
Hugs
As a roadside mechanic at Schiphol, you need to be flexible, sociable and empathetic. 'And you learn those things when doing this kind of work. Sometimes you get a hug because you were able to help someone quickly, and other times you have to turn someone away who suddenly reports a problem because they are not a member of the ANWB. Now and again, that can result in some disagreements. But luckily, I'm not someone who you can get into any trouble with easily.'
Spare key
Aris’ top tip for travellers? Take your spare key with you. 'People travel to the other side of the world and they occasionally lose their car keys. That's why you should hide the spare key in your car. We can professionally – and under certain conditions – open your car so that you don't have to go home first to pick up the key.'
On the roof
The car key also plays a central role in one of the most extraordinary things Aris ever experienced. 'We received a report that someone had lost their car keys. Once I got to the car, I happened to look on the roof. And guess what? The keys were still there. While that car had been parked there for 2 weeks!'
Aris is one of many colleagues with great stories to tell about their work at the airport. Keep an eye on our social media channels for more blogs about a day in the life of different employees at Schiphol!
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