learning, working and developing
Working as a student or school pupil in the Zaanstreek & Waterland

Working as a student or school pupil in the Zaanstreek & Waterland

Are you a school pupil or student looking for a part-time job in the Zaanstreek or Waterland? At Henri Willig, you can gain work experience at unique locations around Katwoude, Volendam and Zaandam / Zaanse Schans.

You can work here in sectors such as retail, tourism, food and manufacturing. From working in a cheese shop or on a cheese farm to logistics roles: there are various ways to get to know the company whilst earning money and gaining work experience.

Working and studying in the Zaanstreek and Waterland regions

The Zaanstreek and Waterland are important regions for Henri Willig.

This is where our cheese farms, cheese factory and shops are located. As a result, as a school pupil or student, you can get to know different aspects of the business: from livestock farming to cheese-making and food production to retail and tourism.

For example, at Kaasboerderij de Jacobs Hoeve by Henri Willig in Katwoude or  the ‘Alida Hoeve’ with the De Vrijheid clog workshop  in Volendam. Our largest and busiest shop is still the farm shop at the Zaanse Schans. 

Part-time jobs for school pupils in Katwoude

Katwoude is a special place to gain your first work experience. You’ll be working closely with the cheese, the farm and the production process. Depending on the role, you could, for example, work in retail, logistics/production or other roles related to our cheese operations.

There are also roles specifically suited to school pupils and students. For example, in addition to the shop, there are Saturday jobs&in logistics/production where school pupils and students can start without any experience following a thorough induction programme. 

At Jacobs Hoeve in Katwoude, the entire journey from farm to customer is on display, from the Jersey cows in the meadow or barn, to the cheese dairy and finally the shop. 

Working as a student or school pupil in the Zaanstreek & Waterland

Part-time jobs for students in Volendam

Volendam is a well-known tourist destination and therefore an interesting place to gain work experience in retail and hospitality. You’ll be working with visitors from the Netherlands and abroad, whilst learning about customer service, sales and hospitality. This makes a part-time job at Henri Willig an attractive option if, for example, you’re studying:

  • Retail;
  • Hospitality;
  • Tourism;
  • Food;
  • Business.
Working as a student or school pupil in the Zaanstreek & Waterland

Working as a school pupil or student at the Zaanse Schans

At the Catharina Hoeve on the Zaanse Schans, alongside our largest shop, you’ll also find De Haal. This is an experience space where our cheese story is on display.  Visitors are very welcome to take a look at our cheese experience at the Catharina Hoeve in Zaandam. In this former hayloft the story of Henri Willig and his passion for animals and high-quality cheeses is told. You can listen to the story can be listened to via an audio tour. This audio tour is available in 6 languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish and Italian. There are also plenty of great photo opportunities.

Working as a student or school pupil in the Zaanstreek & Waterland

How much do you earn as a school pupil or student?

At Henri Willig, school pupils and students are paid age-related gross hourly rates. You can find the current rates in our table of youth wages, which includes a 25.3% supplement. The hourly rate depends on your age. A 50% supplement applies to work on Sundays

 

Age

13–15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Gross hourly wage
(incl. 25.3% bonus)

€5.85

€6.74

€7.72

€9.40

€11.26

€15.02

€18.78

Working and learning in retail and tourism

Our sites in the Zaanstreek and Waterland attract many tourists.

As a result, you’ll learn:

  • how to advise customers;
  • how to present products;
  • to organise cheese tastings;
  • how to deal with international visitors;
  • how to sell;
  • working as part of a team;
  • taking responsibility.

And perhaps best of all: you get to put your language skills into practice. Working and learning on the farms often leads to a regular part-time job, an internship or a permanent position. Curious about the career progression and development opportunities? Check out our Henri Willig Academy!
 

Working as a student or school pupil in the Zaanstreek & Waterland

Frequently asked questions

At what age can I start working at Henri Willig?

The Junior Academy offers opportunities for young people aged 14 and over. The tasks and roles vary depending on age and location.

 

Where can I work as a school pupil or student?

Within the Zaanstreek and Waterland regions, there are opportunities at various locations, including Katwoude, Volendam and Zaandam. The roles available vary depending on the time of year.

 

Can I work on Saturdays and Sundays?

Yes, that’s possible. Whether you’re allowed to work on Saturdays and Sundays depends on your age. For young people under the age of 18, there are legal rules governing working hours, rest periods and the type of work.

  • Aged 13 and 14: you may work on Saturdays subject to certain conditions. Working on Sundays is also possible, but if you work on a Sunday, you must have the preceding Saturday off. In addition, you must have at least 5 Sundays off every 16 weeks.
  • 15 years old: you are allowed to work on Saturdays and, subject to certain conditions, on Sundays as well. If you work on a Sunday, the preceding Saturday must be a day off and you must have at least 5 Sundays off in any 16-week period.
  • Ages 16 and 17: working on Saturdays and Sundays is permitted. Additional conditions apply to working on Sundays, including that it is necessary due to the nature of the work and the operational circumstances, and that you give your consent. Furthermore, in principle, you are entitled to at least 13 Sundays off per 52 weeks.
  • 18 years and over: for adults, the standard rules of the Working Hours Act and the provisions of the applicable collective labour agreement and employment contract apply. Working on Sundays is permitted if this has been agreed in advance and is necessary for the work.

 

Do I need experience?

Not for many junior roles. You’ll be shown the ropes and learn the job on the job.

 

Is there scope for career progression at Henri Willig?

Yes. A part-time job or holiday job can be a first step towards further development within Henri Willig. The Henri Willig Academy supports staff in this by providing training and development programmes.

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