Marciano’s flying start at Contour as a CNC press brake operator

“Who would have thought?” Marciano laughs. “A little over two years ago I took my first steps at Contour as a summer temp. Now, as a CNC operator at the press brake, I look back on a period full of development and great opportunities. And the best part? I do my job with enormous pleasure!”

A new world full of challenges

Marciano switched from the automotive industry to sheet metal fabrication. “Through the staffing agency I ended up as a summer temp in the manual bending department. A completely new world for me, but I felt right away: I want to stay here!” That hope soon became reality. “After half a year of gaining experience with the PEM press and spot welding, I was ready for more. I wanted to develop myself further.”

Learning and working: the perfect combination

“Contour thought along with me right away,” Marciano says enthusiastically. “After a few good talks I got the green light to specialize in the Bending department. Even better: I could start the BBL (a work-study apprenticeship with an employment contract) in all-round sheet metal work at the Graafschap College. An apprenticeship agreement was arranged in no time! Four days of work, one day of school, and it works perfectly. I learn the finer points of the trade, from material knowledge to specific sheet metal techniques, and can put everything into practice right away.”

Falling, getting up and building expertise

In the Bending department, Marciano started with the basics: deburring and working on the smaller CNC press brake. “That went well, so I was soon allowed to move on to the larger machines. The guidance was great: first we went through the steps together, and then I got the room to figure it out myself. It was precisely that freedom, and sometimes being thrown in at the deep end, that taught me fastest. My responsibilities grew, and so did the complexity of the products I make.”

Marciano, CNC press brake operator at Contour

The art of bending: precision work and craftsmanship

“As a CNC operator at the press brake, my specialty is forming a flat metal sheet into a perfect three-dimensional product,” Marciano explains. “I start by loading the offline program, check the setup sheet and select the right tools. I place those in the machine by hand, which is precision work! Then the bending begins. Constant checking is crucial: is the angle right? Are the dimensions within tolerance? It is a dynamic process that calls for accuracy and insight. The variety in product types and materials makes every day different.”

Why Contour? Freedom, responsibility and a top team!

“What makes working at Contour so cool? The freedom and responsibility you get, especially when developing new products. No two days are the same, and that makes the work really challenging!” Marciano says. “On top of that, I am getting more and more coordinating tasks within my shift, which brings new leadership skills with it. But just as important: the atmosphere is great. We get along well, the lines are short and there is always room for a laugh. That is hugely motivating!”

Plans for the future? Still far from done learning!

“The combination of my job as a CNC press brake operator and the BBL apprenticeship is incredibly instructive and fascinating. But I am far from done learning,” says Marciano, looking to the future. “My ambition is to continue studying toward mechatronics level 4 and eventually grow toward programming. At Contour you get the chance to make your ambitions come true.”