Higher opportunities in the labor market
The project started in September 2018 in Deventer with students with various training backgrounds. The focus was on preparing for approaching the labor market.
Inspiration
The "Start to Work" course aims to prepare participants for the job market. As a reintegration advisor and career coach with a background in education, Nelie van der Velde has always been interested in the target group of refugees with refugee status and non-Dutch-speaking people. In 2017, she worked as a taalcoach on a project with status holders in a catering company. “That's where I became deeply involved with this target group.” When the question from TopTaal When she came to set up a project in the municipality of Deventer, she didn't hesitate for a moment. This marked the start of the "Start-up to Work" project.
The combination of taal and work increases the chance of success
Nelie discovered that within TopTaal many motivated students who make a great effort to learn Dutch taal to learn. But taking steps towards practical work is a major hurdle for many non-native speakers. Only taaleducation appears to be insufficient. “Together we started working on creating a link between taaleducation and support in approaching the Dutch labor market.”
The project started in September 2018 with six students with very different training backgrounds. The focus was on preparing for approaching the labor market. "For example, the students have mapped out their qualities, skills and career values, a resume, a cover letter and a LinkedIn profile have been created and people have presented themselves by means of a pitch," says Nelie.
After this first, more preparatory part, there was ample attention to the practical side, such as expanding the social network and practicing job interviews and networking conversations. Actively sought work experience placements, volunteer work, andtaalthe work.
Succes
During the course it became clear that many non-native speakers are hindered by the idea that they taal not sufficiently mastered and that this must first be improved before the step to the labor market can be taken. "While," Nelie believes, "it is precisely the combination of taal and work increases the chance of success.” Nelie proudly explains that, in addition to the fact that three participants found a job during the course, the realization that DOING and taking control yourself is the most important result of the course.
"TopTaal is a wonderful organization that combines taal and the job market is constantly searching for a solution. A great approach to giving non-Dutch speakers more opportunities to participate in our society. I was delighted to contribute to this."