Since 2021, Royal HaskoningDHV has been working with Refugee Talent Hub to give new technical talent a chance. Recruiter Tessa in 't Veld, active in the water sector, got involved in the Engineering Academy – an intensive program that helps newcomers with a technical background to find their place in the Dutch labor market. She helped set it up, mentored a mentee and saw first-hand what a difference a real meeting can make.

Tessa has been working as a recruiter at Royal HaskoningDHV (RHDHV) for 1.5 years now, where she focuses on everything related to water: drinking water, wastewater, ecology and water safety. “A very broad field of work where a lot is happening,” she says enthusiastically. Because the first edition of the Engineering Academy focused on water, Tessa – with her expertise – was quickly involved in the program that prepares newcomers for a career in the sector. Tessa not only helped with the set-up and organization, but was also a familiar face for the candidates during the training courses at RHDHV. “I thought it was important that they knew who they could turn to.”

 About the Engineering Academy

 The Engineering Academy is a 12-week program for technical talent with a refugee background. The first edition, which ran from January to April 2025, focused on water management: from drinking water to climate adaptation. Candidates received substantive training and worked on soft skills such as communication, project work and job applications.

 The Academy was organized with Sweco , Tauw and RHDHV . And it worked both ways: hiring managers and recruiters got to know new talent, while the candidates seized their chance to show themselves. Tessa: “Because you really meet each other, you see what someone has to offer.” The result? Several candidates were invited for an interview at RHDHV – and one of them has even been hired!

 What made the program special was the personal approach. Each participant was assigned a mentor from one of the participating companies. Tessa: “In the beginning they were often a bit cautious, but after a few weeks you saw a real connection develop. That is so beautiful to see.”

 Behind a gap in a resume there is often a powerful story

 An important insight that Tessa takes away from the collaboration: look beyond the resume. “Behind a gap in a resume, there is often a powerful story,” she says. “By getting to know candidates personally , I was able to paint a much stronger picture for hiring managers. You see the perseverance, the talent, the unique perspective that someone brings – and that makes the difference.” That personal approach has permanently changed her work as a recruiter. “You really learn to look beyond what is on paper. And that makes you more convincing to the organization.”

 Her advice to other employers? “Start a conversation. Organize speed dates, meet candidates live, listen to their story. If you do that, you will automatically see the talent that you might otherwise miss.”

 An approach that works

 Success is not just about hiring people, but especially about how you let them land. “Every new colleague gets a buddy or mentor,” says Tessa. “We ensure a good start – with attention for the person and the work.” RHDHV takes into account obstacles such as language, work-life balance or uncertainty about residence status. Customization is the starting point: think of flexible working hours, language courses or extra guidance where necessary.

 This approach works, and that is because it is more widely supported . “Diversity has to come from both sides,” says Tessa. “The support of management is important, but it happens on the work floor: with teams and recruiters. Inclusion is not a project for us, but a conscious choice.”

 RHDHV wants to be an organization where everyone feels welcome. Not out of obligation, but because it is necessary and valuable. Tessa: “Diversity ensures innovation, new perspectives and more mutual inspiration. We believe that this makes our organization stronger. No quotas or checklists, but: we think this is important, so we just do it .”

 The collaboration with Refugee Talent Hub shows that this approach works. “We have made great strides together,” says Tessa. “And this has left us wanting more. We want to continue to build per business unit – with even more focus and impact.”

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