Students and Interns at Group Monument: A Summer Full of Learning and Experience

During the summer months of July, August, and September, many students and interns rolled up their sleeves at Monument. For some, it was their first introduction to the restoration sector; for others, it was a conscious choice to turn theoretical knowledge into practical experience.
What did they all share? The unique opportunity to work on historic buildings, a pleasant work atmosphere, and the chance to truly learn.

Here’s what some of them had to say.

Pepijn – Student Worker

Pepijn lives nearby and already knew Group Monument through acquaintances working here. Since he is studying construction sciences, it was a logical choice for him to look for a summer job aligned with his interests.

What he does on site:
His days are very diverse: demolition, installation and assembly, pointing, natural stone restoration, pouring concrete, and even working with anchors. He has worked on sites in Bruges and Ypres.

Why he keeps coming back:
“Mainly the atmosphere,” Pepijn says. “When you’re regularly on site with the same team, it really feels like you’re colleagues. That makes you enjoy coming to work. On top of that, you learn a lot—especially from experienced foremen. That’s why I return with pleasure every time.”

On joining a team as a young worker:
“It was quite exciting at first, but the site manager and foreman welcomed me warmly. You learn the most by getting involved and learning from each other. Surrounded by experienced people, you quickly find your place within the team.”

Nicolas – Student Worker

Nicolas joined Group Monument through his classmate Pepijn and his stories. Previously, he had summer jobs in the hospitality sector, but this time he deliberately chose work more in line with his studies.

His experience:
“At first, it was a bit of an adjustment—meeting new people, carpooling to the site. But after two days, the atmosphere was great and I felt completely at ease. I learned a lot, and I noticed that this job connects much more with my studies compared to my previous summer jobs.”

Louise – From Intern to site supervisor

Louise discovered Group Monument through friends and former students. After an internship in new construction, she chose to focus on renovation, a sector that intrigued her more and more.

Her internship experience:
Louise was given a wide range of tasks: drafting schedules, taking measurements and drawing plans, preparing progress reports, attending site meetings, and even giving explanations on site.
“You also get the chance to visit other projects, which makes the renovation sector even more appealing—and you meet other interns along the way.”

What appeals to her:
“You’re trusted and encouraged to grow. My self-confidence grew enormously. Questions are often bounced back so you learn to think independently. This helps you become more autonomous and gives you a chance to prove yourself. The sites are very diverse, which makes each project unique. And then there’s the fun—whether with the site manager, the foreman, or subcontractors. That’s very important to me. I really appreciate humor, and you’ll definitely find that here.”

After the internship:
Encouraged by her positive experience, Louise applied at Group Monument and started in August as a work planner.
When asked how she sees herself developing further, her answer is clear: “Gaining experience and daring to communicate with all stakeholders. I love learning—knowledge opens the door to so many other areas.”

Emile – Summer Job as site supervisor

Emile came into contact with Group Monument through a colleague. He worked as a work planner, supporting both site and project managers.

His tasks:
From measuring and reinstalling shutters, to drafting budgets, carrying out checklists, and using Fieldwire to follow up on issues and tasks. “You work with both your hands and your head,” he explains.

His impression:
“You start with very little experience. In the beginning, it feels like you’re starting from scratch, with only basic theory from school. But colleagues support you very well. The sites at Group Monument are completely different from new-build projects. You learn a lot—not just by doing, but also by listening and being involved in site meetings. The atmosphere is very family-like, and you’re encouraged to ask questions.”

His advice for other students:
“If you have a real interest in historic buildings and heritage, if you’re eager to learn, willing to ask questions and communicate—if you’re social, in other words—then this is definitely the place for you.”

Laura – Intern and Student Worker

Laura first encountered Group Monument about two years ago at a job fair. She won our “M-day,” spending a day shadowing a site and project manager. That inspiring experience left her wanting more. She later joined Group Monument, first as a student during the summer holidays and then as an intern during her studies.

Her tasks:
As a student worker: assisting with bills of quantities and specifications, checking plans, preparing progress reports.
As an intern: taking on more responsibility—sending emails, coordinating with structural engineers, and preparing technical drawings for roof restorations.

Her experience:
“What struck me most is how equally everyone is treated. Group Monument may sound like a large company, but it doesn’t feel that way at all. As a student or even as an employee, you really feel involved. The atmosphere is great and you’re given a lot of responsibility. This is not just an observational internship—you’re encouraged to take initiative. At a certain point, it no longer felt like ‘going to work,’ but rather like joining the site with enthusiasm. If you go home with that feeling every day, then you know you’re in the right place.”

Conclusion

The experiences of Pepijn, Nicolas, Louise, Emile, and Laura show that a student job or internship at Group Monument is much more than just work experience. At Group Monument, you get the chance to learn, take responsibility, and at the same time contribute to the preservation of unique heritage.

The common thread in all their stories? The atmosphere, the learning opportunities, and the variety of projects.
That’s what makes a summer at Group Monument an unforgettable experience—and for some, even the start of a career!

Whether you prefer hands-on work on site or using your talents in preparation and coordination, Group Monument offers students and interns a place where you can grow, collaborate, and most importantly—enjoy the journey.

Interested in a student job next summer? Fill in our form here: https://jobs.monument.be/nl/studentenjob
Looking for an internship in 2026? Let us know via this form: Stage aanvragen | Group Monument