ROTTERDAM, 4 December 2024 – The Rijnmond Labour Market Perspective Fund (Rijnmonds Arbeidsmarkt Perspectieffonds, RAP) has facilitated employment for 854 individuals in its first year. The fund, aimed at addressing persistent labour shortages, has supported 18 projects targeting sustainable employment and job retention in vital sectors such as technology, ICT, logistics, healthcare, and education.
Employers supported through co-financing
The RAP offers co-financing to employers, enabling them to implement projects focused on creating lasting employment opportunities. With ongoing staff shortages in socially crucial sectors, the initiative aims to provide innovative solutions for businesses while tackling broader societal challenges.
Tim Versnel, Rotterdam alderman for Work and Income, stressed the urgency of action: “Now is the time to act, before we face significant problems in socially critical sectors. Employers need to rethink recruitment strategies. Through RAP, we provide tools to address their workforce issues and contribute to societal challenges. Additionally, many Rotterdammers who are currently unemployed possess valuable skills that can help fill the region’s 30,000 job vacancies. This pragmatic approach creates opportunities for both employers and employees.”
Call to action for employers
Employers already participating in the RAP have praised its efficient processes, short lead times, and minimal administrative requirements. The fund targets sectors essential to society and the economy. Businesses interested in investing in innovative workforce solutions are encouraged to submit their proposals to the Rijnmond Work Centre (Werkcentrum Rijnmond).
Examples of RAP-supported initiatives
Local businesses have successfully leveraged the RAP to address their workforce challenges while offering opportunities to jobseekers:
-
CityTec, a construction company, has used RAP funding to train 50 new technicians. Operational Director Erwin Kamp highlighted the importance of broadening recruitment efforts: “Our workforce is ageing, with many set to retire soon. We focus on individuals with a distance from the labour market, such as refugees and former prisoners. There’s remarkable talent out there, and we’re often surprised by what people can achieve.”
-
Cedrah, in collaboration with RST Zorgverleners, Salem Ridderkerk, and the Hoornbeeck College, developed a training programme for career changers pursuing qualifications as Healthcare Assistants (Verzorgende IG). Wilma Broer – van de Ruitenbeek, a practical trainer at Salem, noted the programme’s success: “We need more people in healthcare, so we created a pathway that leverages skills from other industries. Recently, a former skipper joined the programme. It was an adjustment for him, but he’s now thriving.”
