Knowledge by, for and about newcomers
Knowledge by, for and about newcomers
Newcomers as account managers
BMC
2022-2023
Education, training
BMC seconds practitioners of the Integration Act (WI'21) to municipalities. There is a high demand for qualified personnel in this area. People with lived experience offer significant added value in this role. They know what it is like to settle in the Netherlands from another country and understand the challenges and situation of people who are integrating. How do you ensure that people who are still learning the language and have no work experience in the Dutch context can still quickly find work as integration coaches or customer managers?
Together with BMC, OpenEmbassy developed OpenEmbassy training program for a group of promising professionals with real-life experience. We provided the components on Dutch workplace culture and working with awareness of differences.
The first group of 13 participants started their training, internship, and follow-up days in September 2022. After completing the program, participants can work independently as consultants for municipalities. Three-quarters of the first group are now working in municipalities through BMC.
The participants are extremely enthusiastic about their development and the knowledge they have gained. But the program also benefits the municipalities themselves. They are harnessing the potential of status holders in a market where there is a shortage of consultants. In return, they get motivated, well-trained, and experienced employees who no longer need to rely on benefits.
