“Alistar provides the right people to ensure continuity and quality in our IT support.”

For four years now, Alistar and APM Terminals have been working together successfully to strengthen IT support. It’s a partnership centered on continuity, quality, and having the right people in the right places. One of those people was Leroy, an IT consultant who supports APM Terminals at the service desk. In this article, he explains what drives this long-standing collaboration.

A flying start in a close-knit team

Leroy joined APM Terminals in early 2024 and became part of an IT team of ten colleagues. “My day-to-day work is very diverse,” he says. “It ranges from setting up new workstations to delivering hardware and arranging system access for new employees.”
While the other members of the IT team serve as IT/OT engineers, Leroy focuses exclusively on the service desk. He is quickly adapting to his role.

“That allowed me to step into the shoes of Alistar’s previous IT consultant, who mentored me during my first few weeks in this new role,” Leroy explains. This approach enables Alistar to provide APM Terminals with the speed and continuity it needs.

Open Culture and Direct Communication

What does Leroy particularly appreciate about his workplace at APM Terminals? The open culture! – It’s a great fit with the culture at Alistar. “It’s a very pleasant atmosphere. People feel free to drop by. They also communicate directly, which results in an efficient and collaborative work environment. The IT department has a human face and is closely connected to the business.”

Leroy’s role also presents challenges, such as dealing with different communication styles. This requires adaptability and an understanding of the needs of diverse groups of employees. His background in the hospitality industry, among other fields, comes in handy here.

“From the very beginning, I was able to communicate effectively with both dockworkers and office staff because I can put myself in the shoes of different end users,” he explains. “Training in social skills and adaptability are also important components of Alistar’s IT Traineeship.”

It is important to continue developing the expertise you bring in.

A Foundation for the Future

Now that his first year at APM Terminals is behind him, Leroy has had the opportunity to work on many projects and celebrate some successes.

“This support role provides a solid foundation for my career in IT,” he says. “And that career has only just begun—I’m looking forward to the opportunities Alistar can still offer for my continued growth and development.”

Partnerships with Impact

According to Stefanie Venema, Sales Manager at Alistar, the partnership with APM Terminals is a textbook example of how collaboration should work. “We share the same vision and culture. There’s mutual respect, open communication, and shared success—that’s what it’s all about. That’s how we continue to grow together in a changing world.”

Marcel Adriaanse, Head of IT at APM Terminals, is also enthusiastic: “Alistar provides the right people to ensure continuity and quality in our IT support.”

Stefanie: “Alistar puts the right people in the right places. Thanks in part to the excellent training program ”At Alistar, we know what it takes to ensure that large-scale projects run as smoothly as possible. Together, we ensure security and efficiency in IT processes—always with a focus on satisfied end users, of course."