Meet Michael de Jong: From landscaping to Napking

Michael de Jong has been working at Napking through Tomingroep for over a year now. At Tomingroep, people who face barriers to the labour market are given the opportunity to discover and develop their talents while working in real jobs. The goal is to help them find and keep suitable paid employment. With guidance and support, employees work in different fields such as Cleaning, Landscaping, and Catering.

Jobcoach helps

Michael has been working at Tomingroep since 1990 and has held various positions, including in Garment Production, Metalwork, and Landscaping. Eventually, however, the outdoor work became too physically demanding for him. Michael’s job coach then found him a new suitable position at Napking.

“At first, I found it really difficult. The work was very different from what I was used to. But my supervisor at Napking and my job coach helped me through it. I can still call my job coach, Nynke, whenever something is bothering me, and I really appreciate that,” says Michael.

Michael initially completed a three-week trial period, which went well, and he was offered a permanent position. He now works full-time, folding garments and operating the linen mangle for tablecloths. His trusted job coach still supports him, which gives him confidence.

Learning the work

Wessel Blok from Napking is also positive about Michael’s progress: “At first, keeping up with the pace was difficult, and Michael still had to learn the tasks. Thanks to the guidance from his job coach and the support of his colleagues, he learned the job well. Now I know I can always rely on him, and he is open to learning new things.”

Michael was selected as “Employee of the Month” by SBCM, the knowledge partner for employers and employees in the social employment sector. In October 2026, he will be honoured for this achievement. Tominfo, Tomingroep’s magazine, interviewed Michael about his transition from Landscaping to Napking.

More people from Tomingroep

Several people from Tomingroep work at Napking, and we are very happy about that. They are motivated and eager to learn. This way, we gain valuable employees, and Napking can contribute to creating a positive and meaningful workplace for everyone.