Meet Pedro de Jesus Carballo, a 53-year-old electrical technician from Argentina with Italian roots and over 25 years of hands-on experience. After working in factories back home and a stint in Italy, Pedro decided to give Europe another shot, this time in the Netherlands.
With his dual citizenship, a desire to learn, and support from InAxtion, Pedro has built a new chapter for himself in Dutch industry. In this interview, he shares his journey, from discovering InAxtion on LinkedIn to working on high-profile projects and adapting to life in a new land.
Tell us about your background
I’m an electrical technician with 25 years of experience in maintenance across different factories. I came here not just to work but also to learn new things: different systems, new methods, and new ways of doing electrical work.
I’m originally from Argentina, but I also have Italian citizenship through my parents. Previously, I worked in Italy for about 7 years between 2001 and 2007. After that, I returned to Argentina, thinking things would improve there, but they didn’t.
Last year, I got the opportunity to come to the Netherlands, and I thought, why not start over? It was a chance to join a new society, have new experiences, and develop new skills.
How did you find out about InAxtion?
Honestly, I was just scrolling through LinkedIn, mostly checking in on friends working in Europe. Then suddenly, an ad popped up from InAxtion: ‘Want to work in the Netherlands?’ I thought, why not? I sent in my CV, and soon after, they contacted me.
We had a few interviews, all in English. I told them right away that my English wasn’t perfect, and I might ask people to repeat things. But they said it was no problem. They saw I had the experience and matched me with what they needed. I had just finished a job in Argentina, so it felt like the right time to make a move.
What’s it like to live in the Netherlands?
In one word: organized! Work here is systematic. There’s a clear process for everything, and people stick to it. That was a big change for me. In Argentina, everything moves fast and sometimes chaotically. Here, things take time, but they’re done right.
Dutch society also takes care of people. I was in a highway accident recently – nothing serious – but the way people responded, from InAxtion to the emergency services, and even the insurers, was impressive. It’s very different from how things would’ve gone back home.
The language is challenging. Dutch is complex, and I’ve started and stopped lessons a couple of times. For now, I’m focusing on improving my English, then I’ll go back to Dutch. InAxtion has encouraged me to keep learning, which is helpful.
How has InAxtion helped you settle here?
They’ve been amazing. My consultant, Floor, is great. Whenever I have a question or a problem, she always replies, even if she doesn’t have the answer right away, she follows up. That kind of support is important when you’re far from home!
My first assignment was supposed to be two weeks; it turned into eight months! I worked on a biogas plant project in Tilburg, and I learned a lot. Since then, I’ve done several other projects, including one in the Rotterdam Europort. InAxtion also helped me get training for ATEX certification, which was necessary for that job.
Any advice for other workers interested in the Netherlands?
New arrivals need a lot of guidance on how taxes, insurance, and costs work here. Even Dutch people find it confusing; imagine someone just arriving from Argentina! If you’re thinking about moving here, take it step by step. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Learn the language if you plan to stay long-term; it’s key to really being part of society. Be patient with the culture. The Dutch plan everything: from holidays to coffee with friends. It’s different, but once you get used to it, it works. Lastly, don’t forget why you came. For me, it was to learn and grow, and that’s exactly what’s happening!
Inspired by Pedro’s story? Check out other InAxtion interviews on our website and discover what it’s like to build a new life and career in the Netherlands. Explore InAxtion news
