On June 1, 2021, six newcomers started a traineeship of one and a half years at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW). Jürgen Wander was closely involved in this process from his role as Program Manager for an Inclusive Labor Market (VIA), as a policy maker in the field of newcomers and work, as initiator of the traineeship and as manager of a trainee in his team.

Please note: this article was translated using a translator app

Equal opportunities for everyone

 “Everyone wants to contribute to society, have perspective and be financially independent. At SZW we are committed to equal opportunities on the labor market,” says Jürgen. “The VIA program was created to improve the labor market opportunities of people with a migration background, including newcomers. From encouraging more diversity in the workplace and objective recruitment and selection, to improving the first chance of a job or internship for young people.”

 Within the theme 'newcomers and work', VIA, together with municipalities, employers' and employees' organizations, educational umbrella organizations and social organizations, has investigated, among other things , what works in apprenticeship programs for newcomers in shortage sectors such as healthcare and technology. Now the next steps are being taken together with municipalities and employers, among others, to make a sustainable difference in the labor market. “We know from experience that it takes time to bring about change, but the first step has been taken and the will is there. There are wonderful initiatives, inspiring examples and beautiful stories. And we can do so much more as an employed Netherlands,” says Jürgen.

Setting up a good traineeship

 “As a government, you don't just want to point a finger at other organizations – you also want to set a good example as an employer. That is also your responsibility. And so in 2019 we started developing a traineeship for newcomers at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment itself. That may sound like a long lead time, but we thought it was extra important that we had thought everything through. Should such a traineeship fit in with the other government traineeships? What are they doing at other ministries? What is needed to make this traineeship a success for all parties?”

Partnership

 The trainee program was further developed together with Refugee Talent Hub. Six trainees were placed in various parts of the department and received support in areas such as language and career coaching. In addition, Refugee Talent Hub provided intercultural training and regular check-ins with managers and mentors of the trainees. That was really of added value,” says Jürgen. “It is an educational adventure that takes you further as a person and as an organization.”

Mirror

 “The process was also quite exciting for us as a ministry,” he continues. “To what extent are we as an organization accessible to newcomers? The work we do – and the environment in which we do it – is very linguistic. That's quite challenging; There is quick talk and discussion here, often in jargon. Our work is sometimes quite abstract, connections are quickly made in conversations, and memoranda and letters to Parliament have to be written. You understand: that is work in which an extensive vocabulary, sense of language and nuance are very important.”

 “During such a process you actually see to what extent you are 'non-inclusive'. Very valuable, because it made us think about how we as an organization still need to move to help these people land even better in the future. And even though you know the best practices in intercultural communication, as a manager you sometimes still make mistakes. Especially if you want to say something 'quickly'. It really is an incredibly educational experience.”

From policy to practice

 Before SZW started this, Jürgen and his colleagues thought more easily about it. On paper, it sounds like a no-brainer for an employer to hire newcomers, and it actually is. “Because I have no doubt that we all have to do it. But I have now experienced for myself what is involved as an employer. For example, it initially takes extra time to include someone in your team and to guide them. You will not immediately see those hours again. There are cultural differences, people may be employable differently than you had in mind, and personal context can play a role. In short, it is a bit more complicated than you are used to.”

 This does not mean that you as an employer should not do it. On the contrary. “Refugees did not come here for fun. They deserve an equal opportunity, just like everyone else in the Netherlands. Moreover, it is an enriching experience for your organization and your team. It gives you as an organization the opportunity to truly become more inclusive. And refugees often have a different view due to their flight experience. These new perspectives teach you to look at certain things differently. I am convinced that it makes your organization more agile and future-proof.”

Knowledge and expertise

 The process has now been completed. The result? Four of the trainees remain with the department and the other two have now started working for another organization. In the meantime, SZW continues to work not only as an employer, but also through policy for equal opportunities in the labor market for people with a migration background, including newcomers. Jürgen and his colleagues see a lot of enthusiasm and action among municipalities and employers, and see that many social organizations, such as Refugee Talent Hub, are working hard for this. He advises employers to use the available knowledge and expertise to make working with newcomers a success for their organization.

 “There are already so many solutions to any problems you may encounter – whether it concerns laws and regulations or intercultural communication. And realize: the newcomers you encounter in many success stories have already developed enormously. Not everyone is already at that level, but everyone deserves to get to that level. You as an organization can contribute to this. And: with an open mind and a learning approach, it will really yield a lot for you.”

 Also read: Newcomers and work: a practical guide for employers

 Also read: The labor market position of refugees: legislation and regulations

 Also read: Newcomers and work: the knife cuts both ways