'What I love about my work? That we can create something new and special from existing materials.'
Manan Khalil works as a furniture maker at Zwartwoud. He built a new life in the Netherlands step by step after coming from Syria. Manan shares his story.
Working with my hands and giving old materials new life energizes me.
I originally come from Afrin, a Kurdish region in Syria. Kurdish is my native language, but I also speak Arabic, Turkish, and Dutch. I had to leave my homeland because of the war. After that, I lived and worked independently in Turkey for nine years. During that time, I gained a lot of experience in the clothing and footwear industry. It was an educational period where I not only developed professional skills but also learned to be self-reliant and always look forward.
Since arriving in the Netherlands in 2019, I immediately began building a new life. I wanted to learn the language, develop myself, and continue working with my hands. That's why I started learning Dutch and completed several training programs. First, I finished the entry-level construction technology course, then MBO 2 Interior, and finally MBO 3 Furniture Maker. Throughout these programs, I increasingly discovered how much I enjoy being creative and hands-on, and giving materials a new purpose.
'Since arriving in the Netherlands, I've always continued to invest in my development.'
I now thoroughly enjoy my work as a furniture maker at Zwartwoud. What particularly appeals to me is that we can create something special from existing and used materials. I appreciate how craftsmanship and circularity come together here. No two days are the same, and every project brings new challenges and solutions.
As a furniture maker, I work on various parts of the process. From preparing and processing materials to actually assembling furniture – it's precisely this variety that makes the work interesting. It gives me great satisfaction to ultimately see a finished product that the entire team has contributed to. Especially when you later spot something you made yourself, it fills you with pride.
What I also greatly appreciate at Zwartwoud is the collaboration with colleagues. The atmosphere is open and positive, and people are always willing to help each other. Reliability, respect, and clear communication are important to me. When you work together on great projects and also have fun, you go to work every day feeling motivated. I strongly feel that here.
'When you create great projects together and help each other, you go to work every day with pleasure.'
Circularity also makes the work especially interesting. You don't always work with standard materials; sometimes you have to think creatively about how to reuse existing ones. That demands attention, craftsmanship, and flexibility. It's precisely this challenge that appeals to me. The idea of giving materials a second life while creating something new and beautiful is something I find particularly valuable.
At Zwartwoud, I also get the chance to develop myself further. Since arriving in the Netherlands, I've always been focused on learning and growing, both personally and professionally. That development doesn't stop for me. I enjoy learning new techniques, working methods, and materials to continuously improve as a furniture maker.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also have a keen interest in perfumes. I find the world of scents particularly fascinating because it involves so much creativity and experience. Additionally, I love playing football. It gives me energy and relaxation outside of work, helping me maintain a good balance between effort and leisure.
Gerelateerde vacatures
Mechanic
- You ensure the placement of sustainable and circular interior elements
- You see the preconceived product coming to life so slowly
- You are a face for the customer who is happy with the end result
Calculator
- Je controleert tekeningen, bepaalt benodigd materiaal en zet berekeningen om in een overzicht
- Je calculeert de kostprijs, zodat er een offerte kan worden uitgebracht
- Je ondersteunt de verkopers en de projectleiders en hebt ook contact met toeleveranciers en partners
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