ROTTERDAM, 26 November 2025 – Rotterdam is launching a long term programme that links major sewer works to local jobs. Under Stadse Werken, people on benefits and young jobseekers are offered a route into construction work in their own city.
'Stadse Werken' links sewer renewal to local jobs
Over the coming year, ten construction companies will jointly replace around 40 kilometres of urban sewers and public space under the name Stadse Werken. What makes the collaboration stand out is the explicit focus on hiring Rotterdam residents, in particular people on benefits and vulnerable young people. The contracts are part of a large municipal procurement process in which companies are asked to invest in both the city and local staff.
Alderman Tim Versnel, responsible among other things for Work and Income, calls the task “enormous” and stresses that the agreement creates chances for residents to work in their own city, preferably in their own neighbourhood. He points out that there are many people in Rotterdam who want to work and questions the idea that workers from abroad should be brought in while local residents are still looking for opportunities.
Training routes into ground, road and waterworks
The participating companies will work with the municipality to train jobseekers, young people and residents on benefits for roles in the ground, road and waterworks sector, which is currently facing major staff shortages. On 26 November, the parties signed a SEIP agreement (Sociaal Economische Impact Paragraaf), marking the official start of the collaboration.
The construction companies involved are Wallaard Noordeloos, Mouwrik Waardenburg, GKB Realisatie, Lindeloof–DuraVermeer, Van der Meer–Van der Helm, EVS, Kroeze Infra, KWS Infra, Aannemingsmaatschappij Van Gelder and AC De Groot. Together, they will be working on projects spread across the city, creating a steady demand for new workers over a longer period.
Agreements for the city and its residents
Under the SEIP agreement, jobseekers and people on benefits gain access to work and learning routes, entry level jobs and internships. The aim is to offer a sustainable position in the construction sector, with room to grow towards a permanent contract. In this way, the sewer projects become a stepping stone for residents who want to build a new working life.
The initiative also strengthens cooperation with local SMEs and social enterprises, which can participate in the work or offer complementary services. This is intended to keep more economic value in the region and to give smaller Rotterdam based firms a role in large infrastructure assignments.
Part of a wider social procurement strategy
This is the second in a series of SEIP agreements that the municipality is entering into. An earlier agreement was concluded for the works at Hofplein. The long term goal is to keep socio economic impact as a fixed element in major infrastructure projects in the city, so that public spending contributes directly to local jobs, training and social mobility.
According to alderman Versnel, the approach helps to increase employment for Rotterdam residents, reinforce the local construction sector and support the city’s growth. By tying conditions on training and hiring to large contracts, the municipality hopes to make social benefits a permanent part of how major works are organised.
