House of Healthcare and Welfare
The pool of available healthcare personnel is shrinking. At the same time, there are people who want to work in the healthcare and welfare sector but lack the necessary qualifications. The House of Care and Welfare—established by WVG Zorg en Welzijn, ROC van Twente, and Arbeidsmarktregio Oost, with funding from Twente Board—aims to address the challenges present in this segment of the labour market.
‘Looking for Solutions to Address Healthcare Staffing Shortages’
Project leader Gertrud Zweerts discusses the project she is setting up. “We are working with employers to create structural solutions, with the aim of establishing a skills-based approach,” she explains.
“Often, people are willing to work in healthcare or to return to it, and they are suitable, but they lack the right credentials. It’s unfortunate that this potential is not being tapped into, especially considering the current shortage of staff, which is expected only to increase in the future. Together with employers, we aim to set up pilot projects to train suitable employees on the job.”
Gertrud is currently organising a hackathon to facilitate rapid action. “Healthcare entrepreneurs, government representatives, and educational institutions will take part to develop structural solutions.”
The virtual House of Care and Welfare is built on three pillars: ‘Mix and Match’ (information, orientation, skills analysis, career advice, and matching), ‘Re- and Upskilling’ (practically oriented, skills-based, and with short training cycles), and finally, it will function as a centre of expertise. Organising events and networking sessions, setting up collaborations, and establishing projects and pilots are integral to this approach.
Bruto Twents Geluk
When we talk about Bruto Twents Geluk (Gross Twente Happiness), the House of Care and Welfare contributes to the following dimensions:
Income
“Working in the healthcare and welfare sector offers a steady income. Even when people start by retaining their benefits, they can progress into roles with a stable salary and good prospects.”
Job Security
“The labour market in healthcare and welfare is tight, so those we train for these roles are assured of a job. It’s also easy to transition from one healthcare organisation to another.”
Personal Development
“The mission of the House of Healthcare and Wellbeing is to promote lifelong learning, both among candidates and within organisations, which we are fully committed to. There are many career advancement opportunities in healthcare and welfare.”
Health
“People feel better when they see that they are contributing, which improves their mental health.”
Work-Life Balance
“By organising work differently, we can relieve workload pressure, increasing job satisfaction and reducing stress.”
Social Connections
“Through work, people build many social connections.”
Community Involvement
“At the House of Healthcare and Wellbeing, we engage people from Twente to work in Twente’s healthcare sector, allowing people to impact their surroundings.”
Subjective Wellbeing
“In the healthcare and welfare sectors, what you do matters, and that brings happiness.”
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