December 13th 2024

NS kickstart jobs help newcomers grow

• partners have their say
• partnership
• best practice
• support base
• employer session

The theme of the session was the NS Kickstart Jobs Programme, which helps status holders with a higher professional or university background to successfully integrate into the Dutch labour market. The programme has been running since 2015 and has already helped many newcomers. Bettina: “Working at NS means more than just having a job. Through the Kickstart Jobs programme, NS offers status holders not only a workplace, but also an opportunity to make a successful start on the Dutch labour market. Together with Refugee Talent Hub and other partners, NS is committed to guiding status holders towards sustainable workplaces.”

 What are Kickstart jobs?

 Kickstartbanen is a specially designed program that offers status holders a soft landing and a flying start in the Dutch work culture. The program lasts a year and is divided into four phases: from getting acquainted with the team and the NS work environment to further developing skills and reflecting on goals. The focus is on personal growth, cultural integration, and a potential transition to regular positions.

 How does the process work?

• Soft landing (0-3 months): During this phase, participants get acquainted with their team, department, and the Dutch work culture. They receive support with language skills and basic digital skills.
• Growing and Flourishing (3-6 months): In this phase, the range of tasks is expanded, and participants learn to bridge cultural differences. At the same time, work is done to reach the level required for their position.
• Next destination (6-9 months): Participants delve into future roles within NS and hold networking conversations to further orient themselves.
• Destination reached? (9-12 months): At the end of the trajectory, an evaluation is conducted to determine whether a contract extension, advancement to a regular position, or exit is the best next step.

 What makes Kickstartbanen unique?

 Bettina explains: “The program offers a unique combination of guidance and support, aimed at both candidates and managers. This ensures smooth integration, personal development, and sustainable collaborations in the workplace.” NS puts this into practice by offering an extensive package of tools and training courses for both candidates and managers at NS. Consider concrete examples such as:

• Intercultural support: both candidates and managers attend intercultural training. This helps newcomers prepare for the Dutch work culture, while managers gain more insight into cultural differences and how to deal with them.
• Tailored language training: candidates not only take business Dutch lessons, but also in-house language training focused on specific terms and documents used within NS. Practical experience is supported by language buddies, who help apply what has been learned.
• Practical support for candidates: A growth guide with practical information, training in basic digital skills, and explanations of employment contracts, so that newcomers fully understand what they are signing.
• Guidance for managers: Managers are supported with peer coaching sessions and HR guidance, so that they can contribute optimally to the development and integration of the participants.

 Collaboration as a success factor

 Bettina emphasizes that collaboration with various partners is crucial for the success of Kickstartbanen. Partners such as Refugee Talent Hub, UAF , and municipalities each contribute their own expertise and network, ensuring the necessary continuity in the program. Refugee Talent Hub and UAF assist in finding and guiding suitable candidates, taking into account their educational background, work experience, and personal ambitions. Municipalities play a key role by actively supporting status holders in their integration, for example by linking work experience programs to municipal initiatives.

Want to know more about opportunities for status holders at NS: Status holders at NS | Working at NS

By becoming a partner of Refugee Talent Hub, you can participate in sessions like this and benefit from valuable insights. Want to know more? Request a meeting.