“VPD gave me an opportunity” 

Could you introduce yourself and explain how you came to work at VPD? 

Abdelilah: I’ll be turning 25 in November and have been working at VPD since December 2024. Before that, I was studying Supply Chain Management at Odisee. I had to put my studies on hold for personal and family reasons. Even today, I still see this as a break rather than a permanent stop, as I’d like to resume this course later on. 

When I started looking for work, I didn’t have a particularly impressive CV. I did have some experience, but not much professional experience yet. What struck me at VPD was that they looked beyond that. They gave me a chance and placed their trust in me. I think that’s something I’ll never forget. 

A passion for logistics 

Why did you choose this sector? 

Abdelilah: I’ve always been interested in logistics. Belgium is centrally located in Europe, and everything to do with the flow of goods, transport and organisation fascinates me enormously. It’s also an incredibly broad sector. There are plenty of career progression opportunities and a wide variety of roles. What I particularly enjoy is that no two days are the same. There’s always something new to learn. 

Dispatch: the heart of operations 

How would you describe your job? 

Abdelilah: Dispatch is sort of at the centre of everything. We’re the link between the drivers, the customers, the depots and operations. When everything’s running smoothly, nobody really notices us. But when a problem arises, people often look to us. Every day brings new unforeseen circumstances. A breakdown, a change to the schedule, difficult access at a customer’s premises or an unexpected situation can quickly turn the whole programme on its head. It’s our job to analyse the situation, liaise with the right people and find the best possible solution. 

“I’m a real busy bee” 

Your colleagues say you’re someone who likes to see things through to the end. 

Abdelilah: I often describe myself as a ‘busy bee’. I always need to be doing something and find it hard to leave a problem unresolved. When a situation arises, I look for an initial solution. If that doesn’t work, I look for a second one. And then a third. I assume that in most cases there’s a solution. It might not be perfect, it might take a bit more effort, but there’s usually a way to make progress. I like being able to tell myself that I’ve explored all the possibilities before concluding that a situation is impossible. 

Responsibility, trust and respect 

What are the most important values in your work? 

Abdelilah: A sense of responsibility is essential. When I’m entrusted with a task, I like to see it through to a successful conclusion. I’d rather spend a bit more time on a case and ensure it’s properly followed up than pass it on without knowing how it will turn out. 

Trust is also very important. Between colleagues, between managers and staff, but also between VPD and its clients. When people trust one another, work goes much more smoothly. And then there’s respect. Behind every delivery, every case or every phone call, there are people. You must never forget that. 

Going the extra mile to find a solution 

During the conversation, Abdelilah talks about a particularly complex delivery in the centre of Brussels. Several attempts had already been made and the situation seemed difficult to resolve. Nevertheless, the team continued to look for solutions, analyse the constraints and consult with the customer. 

In the end, the delivery was successfully completed. 

“It’s precisely these situations that make the work so interesting. When you finally find a solution, it gives you an enormous sense of satisfaction.” 

“At VPD, you’re not just a number” 

In your opinion, what sets VPD apart from other companies? 

Abdelilah: The people. I was given a very warm welcome right from the start and soon felt at home. At VPD, you don’t feel like just a number. The managers are approachable, colleagues help one another, and everyone is given the chance to put forward ideas or take the initiative. If someone wants to learn or develop, they’re given the chance to do so. I really appreciate that. 

An environment where you want to stay 

At the start of his career, Abdelilah explored various career paths. Looking back, he’s convinced that at VPD he’s found an environment that suits him. 

“Of course, the work is important. But the atmosphere, the trust, the colleagues and the opportunities for progression are just as important. These are things that mean a great deal to me.” 

“In some companies, you sometimes feel like you’re just a number. Here, I really feel treated like a person.” 

Going back to university one day 

Do you have any personal goals? 

Abdelilah: Yes. I’d like to go back to university and finish what I started. That’s still my goal today. The plan is to do this alongside my job, for example through evening classes or distance learning. 

What I also really appreciate about VPD is that my job enables me to make this project a reality in the future. When my working day is over, my responsibilities end too, which means I can combine work and study. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Hendrickx from Odisee, who has given me tremendous support during a crucial period in my career. Her help and trust have meant the world to me. 

The future 

How do you see your future at VPD? 

Abdelilah: Positively. I still have a lot to learn and I want to keep developing. I enjoy learning, making progress and helping others. Whether it’s for a colleague, a driver or a customer, I like knowing that my work has a positive impact. 

A message to future colleagues 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to join VPD? 

Abdelilah: Be yourself, be eager to learn and don’t be afraid to ask for help. At VPD, people are always ready to help new colleagues. But you also need to be willing to put in the effort and seize the opportunities that come your way. 

One thing becomes clear during the interview: Abdelilah loves learning, helping others and finding solutions. 

When asked to sum up VPD in a few words, he compares the company to a ‘box of surprises’ or a marathon: you know where you start and where you finish, but never exactly what will happen in between. 

It’s an image that actually sums up his work as a dispatcher very well: every day brings new challenges, unexpected events and opportunities to learn, and that is exactly what keeps him motivated day in, day out.