Niels (1998), based in Amsterdam, recently joined Tata Steel and has already immersed himself in a crucial new area: refractory materials—a field that’s opened up an entirely new world for him.
"I’ve always been fascinated by geography, even back in secondary school, so studying Earth Sciences was an obvious choice. But the big question was: where could I best apply that knowledge? After a visit to Tata Steel in IJmuiden, I had my answer—it was love at first sight."
Niels started his career at PTC, Tata Steel’s internal engineering firm that supports all factories across the expansive site. His very first assignment? Working with the refractory linings of the blast furnaces.
“We deal with liquid pig iron, and to contain that extreme heat, you need specialized materials like refractory bricks. These materials endure very high temperatures and degrade over time, so a deep understanding of them is essential. It ties in perfectly with the chemistry side of my studies, and I’ve really enjoyed diving into it.”
Niels analyses refractory layers using observations, data, 3D scans, photographs, and expert input from different departments. “It’s a real treat to work this way piecing everything together to find the best solutions.”
He’s already attended several technical sessions on refractory materials, will soon start a course in technical drawing, and has even laid refractory bricks himself. “At Tata Steel, practical experience is everything. You learn how to apply materials, build installations, follow technical steps and procedures, and carry out maintenance or repairs. It’s complex, hands-on, and incredibly satisfying.”
Outside of work, Niels is actively involved in Tata Steel’s young professional's network. “I attend events and even play football with colleagues—it’s a great way to connect.”
“That first factory tour stuck with me. I remember thinking, I want to be part of this. And now I am but I’ve only scratched the surface. There’s still so much more to explore, improve, and achieve here.” Niels is one of many young talents choosing Tata Steel for its challenging, meaningful work—across electrical and mechanical engineering, process technology, logistics, IT, and the energy transition.
