When Venturn first reached out to Arthur, he knew immediately it was the right fit. “The maritime industry was a perfect match for me,” he says. “The opportunity to work on projects at different companies really aligned with my broad interests.”
Two years later, he looks back on an experience that feels like a full career packed into a short time. “The traineeship really acts as a catalyst for your first few years. The combination of challenging assignments, active coaching, and a relevant training program ensures rapid development.”
What made the traineeship even more valuable was the group of fellow trainees. Everyone is in the same phase and faces similar challenges. “I could always call a fellow VYP trainee for advice or just to catch up and share experiences. And honestly, those were often the most fun conversations.”
Arthur also appreciates how Venturn actively supports building a professional network. “At events, I have met so many people who do incredible work in the port. Although it’s always nerve-wrecking, I noticed that they were also genuinely interested in my projects. And most of the time, they also had some unsolicited advice ready.”
Starting the Traineeship: Growing in the Maritime Industry
Arthur began his traineeship at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, where he completed two different assignments during his first year. “In the Advanced Analytics department, I worked on organizing a jumble of weekly reports. In the end, we turned them into one central ‘Weekly Paper’, which served as a Single Source of Truth (SSOT). This gives departments better insight into each other’s work, preventing misunderstandings and unnecessary discussions.”
His second assignment at APM focused on Yard Strategy. There, Arthur investigated the weak points in a complex placement algorithm and collaborated with colleagues, suppliers, and customers to resolve them. “I learned how data can be used to guide teams and support decision-making. It was a challenge that really put both my analytical thinking and communication skills to test.”
Assignments at APM Terminals, De Smaakspecialist, and HEBO: Data as a Driving Force
After his time at APM, Arthur took on a unique challenge at De Smaakspecialist, a producer of organic foods. “I had only six weeks to make an impact. In that short period, I set up a data pipeline and laid the foundation for dashboards used by multiple departments. That tight timeframe demanded sharp prioritization and intensive collaboration with colleagues.”
Currently, Arthur is completing his final project at HEBO and Bonn & Mees, where he is making the sales process and supporting software more efficient and consistent. “The old process sometimes felt like a brainteaser. There was a lot of manual work and little overview. Streamlining the process makes it easier for sales staff to do their work and gives management better insight into the results.”
What Makes the Venturn Young Professionals Program Unique
The traineeship not only offered Arthur challenging assignments, but also valuable reflection and personal growth. “By working at three companies in two years, you learn how to introduce yourself effectively, how to deal with different corporate cultures and how to quickly find your way around new systems.”
This hands-on experience was reinforced by an extensive training program. “During the Lumina trainings, I learned to consciously use behavior and leverage the strengths of others. IPMA-D gave me a strong foundation in project management, and the company visits gave me an insight into various organizations within the maritime sector. That combination is what makes the VYP program truly unique.”
The Value of Guidance and Collaboration at Venturn
Not every assignment runs smoothly. Arthur recalls a moment when he hit a rough patch. “I felt that my project was not going in the right direction. In my email to Venturn, I wrote: ‘I don’t feel like I’m on track for a successful project.’ Within a week, they cleared an entire day to review the project together. We went back to the core question: what is the actual goal of this project?”
The guidance from Venturn made a big difference. “In the weeks that followed, I was able to check in regularly, and they actively helped me think things through. That support got the project back on track, and from that point on, the momentum never left.”
Arthur’s Advice for Young Professionals
During his traineeship, Arthur discovered that he sometimes had the tendency to try and solve everything on his own. “I have learned that involving stakeholders and end users actually leads to better results. I also learned a lot about working in different cultures and the importance of clear communication.”
His advice to new trainees is clear: “Make use of Venturn’s collective knowledge. Whatever challenge you encounter, there is always someone within the network who has dealt with that exact problem. By actively utilising that knowledge, you not only make your projects more successful, but you also build valuable connections.”
Future in the Maritime World: Keep Learning and Growing
After his traineeship, Arthur will remain at Venturn as a consultant. “Although the curriculum is finished, I’m far from done learning. The maritime industry is broad and constantly evolving. I want to continue to challenge myself with new projects and develop further as a professional. In addition, I think it would be great to mentor future trainees and share my experiences with them.”
About the VYP traineeship
The Venturn Young Professionals (VYP) traineeship offers young talents the opportunity to develop within the maritime and logistics sector. In addition to challenging assignments at leading organizations, trainees follow a two-year development program full of training, coaching, and practical learning experiences. This enables them to grow into the leaders of the future in the maritime supply chain.
