Can you briefly tell us something about De Werkclub?
The Werkclub assists newcomers to the Netherlands in finding their place in Dutch society. We do this by professionally training our members and preparing them for the workplace. Even after finding a job or study, we remain involved as a supervisor. In this way, we ensure sustainable placement with minimal relapse.
Why do you think it's important to set up these kinds of pathways specifically for newcomers?
I think it's very important to put yourself in people's shoes. We work with people who have experienced things that we can't even imagine. Many of these people have fled from their native countries because of the war. They had to leave behind their homes and everything familiar. Only to arrive in a country that does not even give them the opportunity to build a future. Most have also left a job behind in their home country. But in the Netherlands they can't just get a job because they don't know how things work here. This is precisely why it is important that we help these people. Not only for them, but also for Dutch society. If everyone finds their niche, the Netherlands itself also benefits.
Do you have a good example of a newcomer who got a job through this initiative?
Over 100 members have already taken their first steps into the job market. Our slogan is "from starting job to heart job". A starting job is important to find your way in the Netherlands and to get used to new manners. But the ultimate goal, of course, is to find that job that makes you happy in the long run. Muhammed, for example, found a job as a Junior Developer at Madlogic in Eindhoven, something that also made him happy in Syria. And for example Motasim, who was a shepherd in Eritrea and now works as an upholsterer at Roobol in Barendrecht.
What do you think is the success factor of your initiative?
The success factor of The Work Club is the fact that we stay involved, even after starting in the organization. We have a diverse team of people who have heart for what they do. Members can always come to us, and we make everyone feel welcome.
What do you think is the biggest challenge?
The language barrier is definitely one of the biggest challenges. Often the problem is not with the motivation, knowledge or experience of newcomers to find work, but with the ability to communicate. This is also a stumbling block during job applications. For many companies, a foundation of the Dutch language is not enough, but they are looking for someone who also understands the professional jargon.
What are 2 important insights you have gained regarding newcomers & working in the Netherlands?
There is absolutely nothing lacking in the motivation of newcomers. They want to work. The opposite is often assumed with newcomers; that they want to live on welfare. But in practice, most of them want to work, but don't know how to get a job. Especially for the construction industry, it is interesting that these people are go-getters. They are handy and willing to work. What more could you want?
The Work Club is part of The Fundament : Newcomers & Work. This platform supports social initiatives focused on construction, care, entrepreneurship and hospitality, and builds knowledge on what does and does not work for the passage of newcomers to the labor market.
