Father and son – Neil and Lee DeGroot – have enjoyed living and working in the Netherlands since moving here from South Africa 18 months ago. Having previously run their own plumbing business, the pair have brought their expertise to Europe to begin a new chapter of their lives. We caught up with Neil and Lee to find out more about their relocation to the Netherlands and their experience with InAxtion.
What prompted your move to the Netherlands?
Neil: South Africa is a fantastic place; we had a big property and a good lifestyle. But the country’s finances are not in good shape, and it could take 30 to 40 years to put right. So we decided the time was right to move abroad.
Germany was a consideration because my partner and children have German passports. We also thought about the UK because I have a lot of friends there. But Brexit changed the rules and made it much harder in terms of my visa. So we thought: why not try the Netherlands? We came over in 2023 for two weeks to travel around and see what it was like. We soon discovered there was a shortage of people with a trade background.
So we sold up in 6 months, and moved here. To begin with, we stayed with friends in Groningen, and did kitchen installations. Whilst we were there, one of their friends told us that if we were looking for more work, we should try this company based in the south of the Netherlands. They gave us the phone number of InAxtion, and the rest is history!
Can you describe a typical working week?
Lee: We’re currently working for a water company that supplies reverse osmosis systems for ships – everything from super yachts to tiny boats. Their solutions filter water to make it clean and drinkable. Clients include various international navies. They also do land-based irrigation systems for commercial greenhouses.
We build a typical system offsite. It mostly involves measuring and cutting pipes and taking measurements from a computer screen. We use 3D and 2D drawings to ensure we have the right angles. We then glue and seal those pipes to ensure there are no leaks.
Neil: It takes around a week to build a system. Then an electrician will wire it. After that, it goes into a test bay to ensure everything is working properly, including the cleaning processes. Then we drain it, dry it, and ship it to the client. Once it’s unloaded at the other end, the client will either do their own commissioning or one of our technicians will make an onsite visit and do it for them.
How have you found working and living here?
Neil: Through InAxtion, we’ve met many different people from places like Bulgaria, Romania, and other countries. There’s an abundance of work here. I’ve been told there’s currently a shortage of around 20,000 plumbers and electricians.
As for living here, the Netherlands has an incredible health system. We’re really well looked-after. I also feel like everything just works here – and when something breaks – it gets fixed quickly. There’s also a lot to see and do. We feel really lucky.
Lee: It can take a few weeks – there’s no guarantee of getting work instantly. But there is always the possibility of work; it just depends on where you’re located. I think for us, it was nice to get in a good position with a water company that has a lot of work coming in.
As for living here, it’s been a pleasant surprise! The public transport is great. To be able to get on a train and go to the next city without any hassle is amazing. People are helpful and friendly; they’re very willing to help and guide.
How has InAxtion helped you settle here?
Lee: Our InAxtion consultants – Imke and Nelson – helped us to get settled and started. It was such a nice intro to InAxtion, and it all happened smoothly and swiftly. There are 7 branches of InAxtion across the Netherlands. That’s made a big difference in terms of finding work – especially as I was living in a different area to my dad.
Neil: InAxtion has been fantastic. They gave both of us a car to travel to different work sites. Their support has been brilliant, including courses on Dutch living. We’re also due to start an electrical course next year, which is going to be fantastic. If we need anything, they’ll always help us.
Are you interested in moving to the Netherlands to work as a plumber, electrician, or technician? InAxtion can help! Speak to one of our consultants today. Contact us.
