Shunter Martin
Started as a trainee in 2007
Martin Pjengaard Nielsen works as a shunter at Taulov Kombiterminal. He has been doing this since 2007, and one of the things he likes about his job is that he knows what needs to be done on a shift within a very clear framework.
- Our job is very varied, but no one is in any doubt about the tasks. I really like that - and then we work as a team to get the trains rolling on time. We're a strong team and there's a very flat structure," says Martin, who in addition to his role asshunter in Taulov also helps at other stations in Jutland.
In Taulov, he also acts as chairman, organising daily shunting duties, safety checks and coordinating customers and everything that happens at the terminal during a shift. He can also take care of the gate function, helping on the truck and is also a local instructor. He is taking ongoing education in his field.
Enjoys teaching
As an employee of DB Cargo Scandinavia, you have many opportunities to develop - and Martin Pjengaard Nielsen has seized this opportunity.
- I have been approved as a teacher by Banedanmark, and I have accepted the opportunity to teach safety and material technology, combined transport and track handling to colleagues and new students. I really enjoy teaching and would like to do it even more in the future, because I really like the contact with people, says Martin and continues:
- I like putting rules into practice. There are always new rules in our industry and we need to use them in practice. As a teacher, I get to update my colleagues - but I also get a lot back myself. Because we discuss the rules together and put them into practice.
Martin is also a mentor for new trainees, and he values meeting new colleagues.
- As a newcomer to our world, you have to learn that there is a reason why we do things a certain way. I work to give students a sense of professional pride," he says.
New generation in the company
Martin is therefore also involved in recruiting new students for DB Cargo Scandinavia's own shunter programme. The training is offered in cooperation with EUC Lillebælt.
- It's great fun to help bring the new generation into the company. There are a lot of people who don't know about our jobs - but we're trying to change that," explains Martin, who points out that one of the things that attracts many people is the opportunity to work outside.
"It's nice to follow the seasons and it's a nice feeling to be outside when the sun is shining. Trains have to run in all kind of weather, so we work in all weathers. But I like it," says Martin.