Meet the people | From Navy Mechanic to Sales Engineer: Lennart’s Career Growth at AWL

At AWL, we believe that passion for technology can open doors to diverse career paths. Lennart is the perfect example of this. He began his career as a Navy mechanic and successfully transitioned to a Technical Sales Engineer with the support of AWL and continuous learning opportunities. In this blog, we share his inspiring story and show how AWL supports employees' professional growth. Read the story about Lennart's unique career path at AWL! 

Lennart van den Hardenberg - Technical Sales Engineer 

Engineering Meets Adventure
Lennart’s fascination with engineering started at a young age. As a teenager, he was always building, experimenting, and eager to learn more about technology. Driven by his love for adventure and hands-on work, he joined the Navy at just 16, where he worked on cutting-edge systems aboard naval ships. This experience gave him a unique foundation, applying technical skills in real-world, high-pressure environments—an excellent training ground for his future career.

A Fresh Start with AWL
After his time in the Navy, Lennart sought a new challenge in civilian life. He joined AWL, attracted by the opportunity to continue working with technology while advancing his education. Supported by AWL and the "Techniek Academie" in Harderwijk, the Netherlands, Lennart quickly transitioned from an electrician role to mastering PLC programming. During this time, he also earned his degree at HAN University of Applied Sciences—all while working full-time. Lennart’s journey perfectly exemplifies how AWL empowers its employees to grow through education and on-the-job experience.

Bridging Technical Skills with Sales
As Lennart progressed at AWL, his deep technical skills and eagerness to learn caught the eye of our sales team. Embracing a new challenge, he transitioned from a pure engineering role to a Technical Sales Engineer. In this role, Lennart combines his technical expertise with customer-focused solutions, helping clients find the right technologies to meet their needs. His unique background allows him to understand the business's technical and commercial sides truly.

We encourage our team members to explore new opportunities and challenge themselves. Whether you want to advance in engineering, transition to sales, or pursue another path, AWL offers the support you need to thrive.

Lennart with his team at his first exhibition!