Together with the Buzinezzclub Foundation, SWOM has taken a big step toward a more inclusive labour market. Through the Opportunities for West – REACT project, which ran from 2021 until 2023, we successfully placed 83 young professionals with (in)visible disabilities or chronic conditions at 49 different organisations in the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region.
The mission of Opportunities for West is clear: reduce labour market mismatches and prepare society for the transition to a green and sustainable economy. Our project ‘Getting to Work with the practical professionals in Rotterdam’ directly contributed to this goal. By scaling up our services for employers, particularly in industries struggling with labour shortages, we helped businesses fill important vacancies with talented, motivated professionals. We didn’t just focus on immediate job placements, but also worked on long-term solutions. By collaborating with the education sector, for example, we ensure that young professionals are able to make informed career choices in fields which have a high demand for employees like: green energy and digital innovation.
Thanks to the support from REACT EU and our partnership with the Leerwerkakkoord (Learning & Working Agreement), we were able to act quickly and maximise opportunities for businesses, young job seekers, and the education sector in the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region.
This project was about more than just numbers: it was about changing perspectives, creating career opportunities, and ensuring a stronger, more inclusive labour market. By connecting young professionals with the right jobs and supporting employers in inclusive hiring practices, we’re making sure no talent goes to waste.
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