Growing into the profession step by step

Mechteld de Jong is 23 when she graduates as an HR adviser in January 2025. Even during her studies, she knows one thing for sure: she wants to specialise further in sickness absence. The rules and frameworks interest her, but she is especially curious about what they mean for people in their day-to-day work.
“We mainly learned about legislation. Interesting, but I wanted to understand what that looks like in practice. How do you actually guide people through such a process?”

That curiosity leads her to Capability and to the traineeship for sickness absence manager. She chooses a learning pathway where theory and practice come together from day one. Mechteld has since completed the traineeship and now works independently as a sickness absence manager. She shares how she experienced the programme and why this way of working suits her so well.

Learning by doing

From February onwards, Mechteld had one fixed training day each week. Legislation, absence processes, conversation skills – everything was covered. But what happens alongside those training days is just as important.
“You very quickly start making calls yourself and conducting conversations yourself. Just getting the miles in. I learn most in practice, so this suited me perfectly.”

That combination of theory and practice means progress is rapid.
“You go through the entire sickness absence process of two years in just six months. That helps you understand how everything connects and what your role means at each stage.”

Always someone to fall back on

Guidance is central to the traineeship. Mechteld has regular check-ins with her trainer and can always ask questions in between.
“Every week we had an hour to discuss cases. You really zoom in on the file. There’s also a Teams chat where colleagues help each other. Whoever has time responds. That makes it very accessible.”

What stands out to her is how willing colleagues are to think along.
“You help each other with caseloads, and people genuinely take the time to explain things. It feels very equal. You’re never on your own.”

Working under delegated authority

Mechteld is now officially certified and works independently as a sickness absence manager under delegated authority.
“In practice, I was already doing this work, but now you notice that you’re becoming more independent. The guidance becomes less intensive, but it never disappears. Trainers continue to keep an eye on things and you can always touch base.”

That way of working suits her well.
“You guide people through a process that is often stressful and unfamiliar, for both employers and employees. Precisely because of that independent role, you can reduce tension and provide direction. That’s what I find most rewarding about this work.”

Navigating the absence process together

Mechteld works within the SME team, supporting employers with sickness absence issues they do not encounter on a daily basis.
“When an employee is absent, a lot suddenly comes their way. By going through the process together, step by step, clarity and reassurance emerge.”

That position, alongside both parties, suits her well.
“We’re not there for the employer or the employee, but for both. Independently. We don’t help by imposing solutions, but by making the process clear and manageable.”

Room and trust

What pleasantly surprises Mechteld is the freedom within Capability.
“During my graduation internship, I worked at an organisation where everything was tightly monitored. Here, you’re trusted. If you do your job well, there’s a lot of flexibility. That requires personal responsibility.”

There is also room to grow.
“If tasks risk becoming too repetitive, there’s a conversation about what else might suit you. Think of pilots or additional responsibilities. That keeps the work varied and challenging.”

Continuing to grow in the profession

For now, Mechteld feels very much at home in her role. The profession is constantly evolving, no situation is the same, and every day brings new conversations.
“I want to keep developing and become better and better in my work with people dealing with sickness absence.”

And for anyone unsure about the traineeship, she has clear advice:
“If you’re curious, enjoy working with people and want to combine theory with practice, this is a great way to find out whether the profession suits you.”

Find out more about working at Capability.