The eternal builders of APK Group

Meet the core of our company: our dedicated employees, or the eternal builders of APK Group. In a world where everything is constantly changing, it is remarkable that we have a team that is not only steadfast but also continues to thrive and grow our business day in and day out. We share the stories of some of our most dedicated APK'ers, not only why they once started here, but also why they stay. These eternal builders will tell you their personal story about their involvement with APK Group and share some more tips for starters. Do you read along?

Marc Leenaerts: "I was the fourth employee of APK Group, then Electro Kerkhofs."

Marc Leenaerts, meanwhile, has been a fixture for APK Group for 36 years. Today, he rolled up his sleeves as handyman for the group. However, the start of his penalty course within the group was as a handyman. "In September 1987, I started as Jef Kerkhofs' henchman. Not much later, I was trained as an electrician."

At APK Group, growth is always a priority, both for the group and its employees. So Marc progressed to foreman and finally to site manager. "In 1991 I became foreman and not much later site manager for APK Group. Here we were responsible for laying new house connections for then new technologies. Unfortunately, my knee played tricks on me." Taking a step back then became a necessity for Marc, but within APK Group he remained a valued employee. "Paul Kerkhofs has always looked after me. Partly one of the reasons why I still enjoy working here today."

Even after Marc had to stay home for 1.5 years because of his knee, his place within the group remained a certainty. Marc recounts: "Paul Kerkhofs and Franco Lubandy told me that they would definitely not let me down and that they would find something for me. That was very nice to hear and today I am still a proud APK'er." 

Aldus Marc says cool colleagues are essential. Learning on the job is also an important point. "You learn a lot at school, but in practice it is different. Keeping your ears and eyes open is always important here. Especially as a future APK 'er, you have to be open to this." As icing on the cake, Marc likes to give the following tip to young employees: "You always have to consider the people who come after you. That way, you also make their work a lot easier."

Unfortunately, all good fairy tales come to an end. Marc will therefore retire in March 2024. "I boarded a small boat in 1987 where there were four of us at the time. 37 years later, the big APK ship docked to drop me off." That Marc has loved working for APK Group all these years is, of course, also all too happy to hear.

Séverine Zeleznik: "I was looking for more challenge and variety and I got it!"

Ambition and motivation. Those are two defining terms for Séverine Zeleznik, last-mile coordinator in Villers-le-Bouillet. The year 2019 marked the start of her career within the group. Four years later, she is still a proud APK'er and as enthusiastic as on her first day. "As a last-mile coordinator, autonomy, variety and responsibility are not exceptions but the rule. This makes my job enormously fascinating and challenging." She is responsible for drawing up plans, designs and liaising with subcontractors.  

However, the growth path she experienced is at least as interesting if you ask us. Séverine tells: "I started at APK Group as a project administrator, or PA for short. I loved doing this job, but I was looking for more challenge and variety, and I got it!" As last mile coordinator, for example, she is responsible for supervising shipment to site, applying for police permits, managing Powalco and liaising with subcontractors. 

For recent graduates, APK Group also makes an ideal first employer, says Séverine. "It's nice to be heard within your company and have the opportunity to grow. Especially for young people, APK Group is a good choice. You end up in a company with growth opportunities, nice colleagues and it's a job-secure market." 

Erol Seker: "If you feel good, have nice colleagues's and can do your job well, you're in a good place!" 

Meet Erol, a living legend who has been indispensable within APK Group since 1988.

Erol started his career in production, took a break to do his army service and then returned to production. "But I preferred to work outside so I went into construction. Besides, I also went a long way financially." In 1988, Erol joined APK Wegenbouw and worked as an all-round worker until 2012. "After that, I got the chance to become team manager and I still fulfil that role to this day." Whether Erol still has ambitions to grow further? "I have already progressed to foreman and computer work is not for me at all so I am right here!" 

"Now we are 35 years on and I definitely plan to stay until I retire."  Why he is so keen to stay? "Building something gives me satisfaction and besides that I just really like it! By the way, I also have very nice colleagues. If you feel good, have nice colleagues and can do your job well, you're in the right place!" 

Erol encourages young people to explore this industry. Why? "Because the construction industry is evolving. Everything is being modernised which makes the work less demanding and this makes the job more enjoyable. Construction offers unprecedented opportunities. You can make something yourself and there is an abundance of variety in the work!"

Ready to join the APK family?

Do you dare to lay the foundations of your career in the dynamic world of construction? Discover the endless opportunities and challenges offered by APK Group. Explore our vacancies and start your journey today! 

Not quite convinced yet? Take a look at our job portal and discover all the benefits APK Group has to offer!