Work and development program Strong at Work officially launched!
A festive kick-off of "Strong at Work" took place on June 1. A work and development program for single parents with income at the welfare level. The participants started two months ago. Since June 1 they are officially employed by the participating companies! It concerns a group of 6 single mothers.
Why Strong at Work?
Working hours that cannot be combined with (school-age) children, a job where you just do not meet all the (educational) requirements or a big hole on your resume. As a single parent it can be difficult to find a job. While these fathers and mothers have talents and love to get a job. To prevent that this talent is not seen and because there is a huge shortage on the labor market, Driessen Foundation launched the program 'Strong at Work'. Driessen, IJK and Brainport Human Campus, all part of the Driessen Groep, are organizations that employ a participant.
What does the program entail?
Strong at Work is a work and development program for single parents with an income at the welfare level. The participants get to work in a specific job and gain (more) work experience. In parallel, they follow a group development program. This program focuses on personal and professional development. The program is guided by buddies. The goal is to offer the participants a springboard to a structural job internally or externally that brings as much work happiness as possible.
Why is this track different?
Employers are used to looking at resumes and cover letters and working with a defined job. But to create equal opportunity, a different approach is needed. When recruiting and selecting participants, their competencies and motivation are the starting point. In doing so, work is sought. This is done through job carving. In addition, framework conditions are important, such as the possibility of working during school hours.
Good example follows
Let the canners who have signed up be an example to other single parents. You can make a difference yourself! Also, compliments to the companies and teams who are participating in this program and daring to look at work differently.
Are you an employer struggling to find suitable workers? Do you value corporate social responsibility and can you see the benefits of being an inclusive employer? Then feel free to contact Bianca van Lieshout of Strong at Work: bianca.vanlieshout@driessengroep.nl.
Strong at Work is an initiative of Driessen Foundation. It is co-designed in collaboration with Driessen and partners from the region including the Municipality of Helmond, Senzer and LEV Groep.