Evaluation pilot AZC Almere

Expert pool Reception Work

Project

Client

Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment

Duration

2023

Partners

COA, Randstad, Municipality of Almere

Product

Evaluation report and handbook

Project description

Commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, we evaluated the pilot toduction to work of COA, Municipality of Almere and Randstad. In this pilot, Randstad employees match residents of AZC Almere with employers and guide them to paid work.

Working elements and obstacles to work

The evaluation study examined from the perspective of residents and stakeholders (including employers) what the effective elements are and what the obstacles are to guiding residents to work. Expert pools and in-depth interviews were set up for this purpose. A unique feature of the pilot was that active efforts were also made to guide asylum seekers to work.

Guide to guiding asylum seekers to work

In addition, we facilitated a design session with residents and staff to work on solutions to bottlenecks in the pilot. In addition to an evaluation report, we also wrote a guidebook to assist parties elsewhere in the country to set up a similar structure to guide occupants of asylum seekers' centers to work.

Results & insights

Formulating a shared ambition and a basis of trust helps to shape an approach, learn from each other, and improve the approach. Involving residents' perspectives in such a program can help resolve bottlenecks at an early stage.

Pathway to work

Work is a means to start integration early and provides a social network. At the same time, an enjoyable living environment, rewarding work and appropriate work is important to maintain employment.

For employers, the placement must also pay off. Now, there are still many obstacles: unfamiliarity with the target group, application for work permits, unexpected relocations and the lack of arrangements such as trial placements.
Relocation to another shelter or linkage to another community increases the risk of job loss and may also have financial consequences (benefits and establishment credit).
Someone who is at work must be able to combine this with integration over time. Therein lies an issue for municipalities.
Provide a matcher who understands employers, connects well with residents, can sense the expectation and need of both parties involved, is culturally sensitive and preferably speaks multiple languages.
Provide a recognizable spot on site where intakes take place and facilitate accessible interim contact, such as via Whatsapp.