Secondment can feel like a leap into the unknown. You want variety, security and the opportunity to grow in your profession. But how do you know which secondment agency can really deliver? Not every agency works the same way, and you only realise that once you've started. That's why we're happy to help you make the right choice. Below you will find all the information you need to make an informed choice about your new secondment agency.

What exactly is secondment?

With secondment, you are employed by a secondment agency and work at a company where you perform a job. Your contract, salary and administrative matters such as wage payment and taxes are arranged by the secondment agency. In the workplace, you work under the daily supervision of the company where you perform that job.

The ideal mix of freedom and security

More and more engineers are choosing secondment because it offers the ideal mix of freedom and security. You work at a company that matches your skills, gain new experience, but still have a permanent contract and support from a single organisation.

Yet secondment is often confused with temporary employment or recruitment & selection.

• Temporary employment is about filling temporary positions.

• Recruitment and selection stops as soon as you are hired.

• Secondment goes further: it is about a sustainable collaboration in which you continue to develop.

For us, secondment does not mean 'quick placement', but 'targeted growth'. You don't just choose a job, you choose the next step in your career.

How do you select a good secondment agency?

A good secondment agency looks beyond your CV. They don't just ask about your work experience, but above all about your motivation: what drives you, what do you want to improve and what do you need to get there?

Personal attention makes all the difference. One permanent consultant who knows you, thinks along with you and gives honest advice, even if that means a job is not right for you.

1. Choose a secondment agency that specialises in your field

Because technology is such a broad field, it is important that you speak to someone who understands what your work entails. A mechatronics engineer has different ambitions than a PLC programmer or software tester. A good secondment agency understands that difference and works with you to find what suits you best.

At Trinamics, we have consultants who specialise in specific fields within technology and IT. This means we speak the same language and know what is going on in your market.

2. Look beyond the CV interview

A good secondment agency will not only ask about your experience, but also about your motivation and goals. What drives you? What do you want to improve? And what do you need to get there? Make sure that attention is paid to you as a person, not just to filling a position.

At Trinamics, we take plenty of time for this. During the first interview, we look at your ambitions and what you are looking for in your next step. This allows us to think along with you about jobs that match your goals.

3. Pay attention to how your career is being considered

Een detacheerder die écht bij je past, kijkt verder dan vandaag. Tijdens een goed gesprek hoor je niet alleen welke vacatures er zijn, maar vooral:

• how they contribute ideas about your career,

• which training courses or certifications are available,

• and how contact is maintained during your term via Trinamics or contract duration.

At Trinamics, we remain involved even after you start. We regularly discuss how things are going, contribute ideas about training courses and ensure that you end up in a place where you can really continue to grow.

4. Value security and development

Secondment only works well if the foundation is solid. You want to know where you stand, be able to rely on your employer and, at the same time, take steps in your development. A reliable secondment agency ensures clear agreements, guidance and a job that matches your ambitions, not just your existing skills.

At Trinamics, you choose an employer who helps you take a sustainable career step. You join us with clear conditions and guidance that really goes beyond the start date. In practice, you will usually work for one client for about a year through Trinamics. If both sides are satisfied, you will usually be taken on by the company. If not, we will work with you to find a new position that better suits your needs.

The advantage? Many technical talents don't know exactly where to start looking. We know the market, the companies and the positions inside out. That's why we don't just match you to a vacancy, but to an organisation where you can really flourish, including opportunities that you often wouldn't have found yourself.

5. Pay attention to culture and engagement

You can quickly sense whether there is a connection. Are they truly listening to you? Are you given the opportunity to learn? And do they pay attention to you as a person, not just as a professional?

The right secondment agency combines personal involvement with professional guidance. There is regular contact, interest in how things are going, and room for consultation or advice.

At Trinamics, it's all about personal contact. You have one permanent consultant who knows you, with whom you can easily communicate and who is always available for questions or consultation. We stay in touch, think along with you about your development and ensure that you are in the right place, both with the client and within Trinamics.

What you can expect from our process

• Introduction and intake

We get to know each other and discuss your wishes, work experience and future plans.

• Match with client

If we see a good fit, we will introduce you (with your permission) to our client. We will guide you with practical information and help you prepare for the interview.

• Application and feedback

During the meeting with the client, your permanent consultant will keep you fully informed. We take care of all communication and provide honest feedback.

• Contract and start

Have you been hired? Not only will we congratulate you, we will also arrange your employment contract. The first employment contract always comes from Trinamics, in the form of secondment. This gives you the security of a fixed income, employment conditions and guidance while you work for the client.

When it is better to keep looking

Not every temporary employment agency operates as you would expect. Be mindful of these indicators:

• There is little knowledge of your field of expertise.

• You are mainly seen as "filling capacity".

• The support stops as soon as you are placed.

A secondment agency should remain involved, because that is when someone shows that it is about more than just mediation.

A secondment agency that suits you understands your profession, listens to your goals and continues to think along with you. That is the basis of any collaboration that will help you move forward.

Would you like to discover how we can help you take your next step?

Schedule a no-obligation consultation or see how we work, then we will work together to find what best suits your ambitions.

Last updated on 5 November 2025.

Written by the recruitment team at Trinamics.