Supporting internationals with a healthcare background in finding work more quickly and thus contributing to a solution for the healthcare staff shortage: that is the aim of the “International Professionals in Healthcare” project, launched by the municipality of The Hague. Candidates are matched with employers through speed dating. Collaboration is also taking place with educational institutions and other partners in the city. This includes opportunities for further training, learning Dutch, and lowering barriers to credential evaluation. Currently, over 100 people are participating in the project, and 19 candidates have been supported in finding jobs.
Aldermen Nur Icar (Employment) and Mariëlle Vavier (Newcomers and Care) attended a speed dating session at Respect, an employer in elderly care. Alderman Nur Icar: “It’s fantastic that this project connects international professionals with healthcare backgrounds with employers. These candidates are often very driven to get started and possess a wealth of knowledge. Knowledge we need to utilize because there are significant shortages in socially crucial sectors, such as healthcare. This is truly a win-win situation!”
Alderwoman Mariëlle Vavier: “This project is about more than just finding work in healthcare. It’s about enabling international students to participate in The Hague society from day one. They’re eager to contribute and get started. By learning Dutch together, meeting each other, and finding their way to truly suitable work, participants are not only building a future in healthcare but also a strong connection to our city.”
Education-Labor Market-Business Connection Program
The “International Professionals in Healthcare” project is part of the Education-Labor Market-Business Connection program. In this approach, the municipality of The Hague collaborates with employers, educational institutions, and (social) partners in the city and region to reduce shortages and mismatches in the labor market.
Third progress report on the Employment and Participation Policy Plan
Recently, many other efforts have been made to promote employment and participation in The Hague. For example, Haaglanden Leert Door (The Hague Learns On) was launched at the end of last year to offer residents in our labor market region a better position in the labor market through retraining and further training. New partnerships with employers and organizations have also been established.
Due to the tight labor market, we’re seeing residents finding work more easily on their own. Those currently receiving social assistance generally face a significant distance to the labor market. We’re adapting our services accordingly. For example, we’re increasingly focusing on eliminating or managing problems that hinder reintegration, development, and training.
All results for the second half of 2024 can be found in the third progress report on the Employment and Participation Policy Plan for The Hague .
Text and image: Gemeente Den Haag
Featured photo: Opening of speed dating sessions by Alderman Nur Icar (Work), Klaas Smilde (Respect director) and Alderman Mariëlle Vavier (Newcomers and Care).