EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Helpdesk for Immigrants in the Zaanstreek region

Helpdesk for Immigrants in the Zaanstreek region

Introduction

In March 2001, the Helpdesk for Immigrants in the Zaanstreek region was established in Zaanstad. The idea behind this initiative is to help settled immigrant job seekers, particularly women, to find a job or appropriate training.

Problem

Immigrant women from 18 years old who wish to (return to) work but also women who wish to further shape their present careers or who want to change jobs, experience problems. Employers also desire employees to improve their Dutch or communication skills.

Description

The Helpdesk focused initially on immigrant women because there is a clear need for education and there is a large amount of work potential in this particular group. Women who wish to work can be guided by the advisors of the Helpdesk. The women receive individual support, for example with looking for work or with writing a job application.

Approach

The Helpdesk has a database of employers who are looking for personnel. The advisor can fulfil an intermediary role between employer and employee. For these women, the Helpdesk offers general training programmes such as careers guidance and job application training.
Furthermore, professionally-oriented, dual programmes are provided. Besides language, social and communication skills, a language practical is an important part of the programme.

The Helpdesk also provides coaching programmes for new employees in a company. Depending on demand, five to ten meetings are held to give guidance to new employees finding their way in the organisation and the development of the necessary competences for the post. Points given special attention are learning to cope with the culture of the company and functioning within a team.

Results

In the third quarter of 2003, there were 80 new registrations (excluding participants in training programmes) at the Helpdesk.
The training programme "Language practical" started in 2002. Due to the numerous registrations for this training programme the Helpdesk started with two groups in August 2002. The groups completed the training in 2003. In the spring of 2003, 29 participants completed the course. The majority went on to courses in Dutch as a second language (13), and then to work (8) and vocational training (8).
The transitional course Helping Welfare had 20 participants in 2002, of which 18 moved on to other training programmes in 2003.
For the job application training component, 54 of the 58 moved on to other training courses.

Contact info

Helpdesk for Immigrants
Mr F. Demir, tel. +31 75 6590989

Project start date

01/03/2001

Links

Helpdesk for Immigrants (in Dutch)

Explanation of the Helpdesk's services (PDF, Dut, 20 KB)

Report of the Helpdesk for Immigrants (PDF, Dut, 47 KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Skills improvement