Wage watchers: How much does a mechanic earn?

Pieter Vermant, 24, from Malderen talks about what he earns and how he spends it

What is your job?
Since the beginning of March I’ve been working at Barry Callebaut in Lebbeke-Wieze as an electro-mechanic in the maintenance division. I’m responsible for preventive maintenance of the machines for the production of couverture – liquid chocolate. For the time being I’m switching between electrical and mechanical jobs to get to learn the factory. Later I’ll be part of the team that steps in to take care of technical problems.

Do you enjoy your work?
In the first place the work environment is great: it’s very exciting to be working in the biggest chocolate factory in the world. Another advantage of working for a food company is that the surroundings are healthy and always clean. Also, the product is attractive and delicious. I’m lucky enough to be in a group with friendly colleagues, which is obviopusly important to make the job pleasant. The biggest advantage of the job is that I get to learn the trade within a strong and stable company. I’ve been promised there will be career advancement opportunities, but that’s all in the future. I first have to get to know my own job and the company itself better.

How many hours do you work a week?
Normally we work 38 hours a week. If I’m needed I might work a few hours’ overtime but that’s very seldom. We get two extra days holiday because of our timetable, and we have an extra public holiday on 11 July.

Are you satisfied with your salary?
I make €1,790 net. I’m happy with the pay. It’s half as much more than my last employer paid. The pay is important of course, but it’s more important for me to have a job with training and variety where I can gain experience.

What do you spend most on?
I recently moved in together with my girlfriend, and moving and settling in cost a pretty penny. The biggest expense is rent. All the same I do try to save something every month.

What effect has the crisis had?
Until only recently I was living with my parents. Over the last few years I was able to save some money, so I didn’t really feel the crisis. There’s not much effect within the company, either. Production is 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It looks as if the economic crisis had no effect on chocolate. It’s still a delicious and affordable treat.

What do you like spending money on?
I collect pictures and I spend quite a bit of money on my pixel hobby [a sort of mini-mosaic craft]. As well as that I like to go to concerts, or to take off for a weekend at the coast. Although there’s no money at the moment for foreign holidays or luxuries.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
The first thing I’d do is put most of it aside for unforeseen circumstances like illness or accidents. I’d keep on working, then maybe after a few years buy a new house, build one or renovate one.