Ir Olav's Globetrotters: Bridging South African talent with Dutch opportunities
Looking to take your engineering career abroad? For South African engineers and technical professionals, opportunities in the Netherlands are now more accessible than ever, and Ir Olav’s Globetrotters is here to make it happen. With a growing demand for skilled engineers, our mission is simple: to connect South African talent with Dutch companies and support you through every step of your move. At the recent Electra Mining Africa 2024 Expo, our international recruiter, Anene Britz, spoke with Mining Weekly about this demand and how our team is helping to bridge the gap. If you’re ready for a fresh start or a new career adventure, we’re here to ensure a smooth transition.
The Netherlands Needs Your Skills—More Than Ever
Right now, the Netherlands is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled engineers. The demand spans fields like mechanical, civil, electrical, and chemical engineering, opening up great career opportunities for South African professionals. Dutch companies need your expertise, and we’re here to not only connect you with these opportunities but to provide continuous support so you can settle into your new life with confidence.
“We work with lots of phenomenal Dutch engineering businesses, and there is such a requirement for great talent,” explains Britz. “The benefit to [South African engineers] is truly that we are adaptable, and there’s a wonderful cultural alignment… we share similar values and beliefs in terms of work ethic.”
Since 2020, we’ve been dedicated to supporting South African professionals beyond just landing the job—our commitment extends from recruitment through every stage of relocation, ensuring that the move is as seamless as possible.
More Than Just a Job: Full Relocation Support
Moving abroad is a big step, and we know that it takes more than a job offer to make it work. With over 30 years of combined experience, we’re committed to making relocation as smooth as possible. Our team, including our South African branch led by Wendy Nelson, supports you at every turn—from visa applications and healthcare to finding housing and handling administrative tasks. This way, you can focus fully on your career while we take care of the logistics.
“What really sets us apart is… we believe in people and making sure that the recruitment process does not end with accepting a job offer. We’re there to help you through your journey, relocate, and build and engineer your life abroad,” says Britz.
A Move for Every Career Stage
Whether you’re an early-career professional seeking adventure or a seasoned engineer looking to provide a new environment for your family, the Netherlands offers something for everyone. For younger professionals, it’s an opportunity to work on high-impact projects, travel with ease, and gain valuable international experience. For families, the Netherlands provides excellent healthcare, quality education, and a strong work-life balance.
“It’s also a fantastic place for families, with lots of governmental support in terms of healthcare and schooling,” Britz notes. “For our more experienced candidates, we typically see them moving because they want to have their children experience life abroad and get a richer experience.”
And while English is widely spoken in Dutch workplaces, many South Africans find the transition easier with a shared cultural background. As Britz explains, “Due to our linguistic background, having most people speak at least some degree of Afrikaans, [South Africans] adjust beautifully to the language—not that that is a requirement; our work life is majority in English.”
Wanna Go Dutch? Your Guide to Making the Move
To make relocation even easier, we’ve developed Wanna Go Dutch?, an e-book that covers all the essentials we’ve learned from helping over 400 families make this transition. “Wanna Go Dutch? is the product of all of our research over the last four years,” says Britz. “It’s a guide to absolutely everything you need to relocate… It’s the guide we all wanted when we started our journeys.”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to explore the career opportunities awaiting you in the Netherlands, we invite you to review our current job listings or reach out to our recruitment team at recruitment@irolav.world. Our team is here to answer questions, discuss open roles, and provide personalized support as you prepare for this exciting new chapter.
The opportunities are vast, the support is real, and the benefits can be life-changing. Join Ir Olav’s Globetrotters, and let’s take your career—and your life—international!