ZorgStart Twente
Due to the tight labour market, filling vacancies in healthcare and welfare is becoming increasingly difficult. As a result, this sector is being forced to accelerate the search for alternatives. In Twente, partners from education, employers, and government are collaborating to find solutions. Together, they have developed the Action Programme for a Future-Proof Labour Market in Health and Welfare Twente. One of the projects focuses on increasing lateral entry by guiding untapped labour potential into work and making it easier for employers to hire new staff. On 2 October 2023, ZorgStart Twente launched as a pilot. Following a successful start, this project will continue for the next three years to establish it as a sustainable solution.
ZorgStart Twente
ZorgStart Twente offers a lateral entry route for people without healthcare experience, who may have other jobs or receive benefits, are interested in a career in healthcare and welfare, but are unsure if it’s the right fit or which sector suits them best. These individuals can reach out to ZorgStart Twente. “ZorgStart is a way to see the forest through the trees,” explains Liesbeth Laman Trip: “People, as it were, walk a path through the forest and encounter everything they need to decide whether a career in healthcare is right for them.”
Path Through the Forest
“After they submit their details, they immediately see a short video introducing healthcare,” says Liesbeth. “If they’re interested, they can then request a meeting with a coach. This coach is from the Leerwerkloket Twente, the Employers’ Service Point Twente, or the Employers’ Association for Healthcare and Welfare. This way, we work together with existing resources.”
The coach reviews options with candidates, assessing their needs and identifying relevant e-learning courses. “Not everyone without healthcare experience needs a full programme with general subjects like English and mathematics. Some candidates already have careers and life experience, providing them with competencies well-suited to healthcare work. ZorgStart Twente focuses on what is truly necessary.”
Each candidate receives a tailored programme, largely setting their own pace. Once ready, the coach will seek job opportunities. The coach maintains contact with affiliated healthcare institutions to facilitate the best match between candidate and employer. While working, people can then progress toward their desired profession.
Reorganising Work
With the labour market tightening, it’s essential that employers and institutions reconsider how work is organised. Liesbeth notes, “Organisations often think, ‘We need a nurse.’ But if one can’t be found, they can consider whether certain tasks could be performed by someone with a different qualification. All roles, including in healthcare, have such tasks. Organisations are already implementing new roles, like ‘Helping Hands’ and ‘Wellbeing Assistants.’ These employees contribute to people’s welfare while easing the burden on other colleagues.”
HR Network
Within the TAZ Twente administrative network, an HR network has been established, with representation from all sectors. This thriving network plays a vital role in the ZorgStart Twente pilot. Each month, HR managers gather to discuss new solutions for labour shortages and share best practices. “Experiences are shared, agreements are made, and practical plans are developed to implement solutions,” says Liesbeth.
Occupational Group Chain Consultation
In addition to the HR network, there is an Occupational Group Chain Consultation in Healthcare and Welfare, led by the government. This is facilitated by the UWV and includes representatives from the Employers’ Service Point Twente, the Twente Regional Mobility Team, Leerwerkloket Twente, and the Employers’ Association for Healthcare and Welfare. Like the HR network, this consultation is practical, focusing on how improvements can be made. Liesbeth explains, “We discuss, for example, the qualifications required for certain roles. Some healthcare and welfare roles require specific qualifications, while others do not. Together, we explore entry-level pathways, allowing people to take an initial step into a healthcare job while retaining their benefits and potentially advancing through training. This approach supports organisations by providing well-prepared candidates, enabling a quicker match in the recruitment process. It’s crucial for organisations to invest in lateral entry programmes, though this often requires significant internal adjustments.”
Careful Expansion“We started cautiously, gradually admitting people weekly to build experience. The pilot’s goal was to serve 100 candidates through ZorgStart, but by the first quarter of 2024, 128 candidates had already enrolled, with 75% completing the full learning pathway and 37% transitioning to employment. It’s fantastic that we can continue this project for the next three years. Ultimately, we aim to organise physical sessions alongside online ones for people facing greater barriers to employment,” Liesbeth concludes.
Want to know more?
Contact program manager Liesbeth Laman Trip.
Mail: l.lamantrip@wgvzorgenwelzijn.nl
Website: www.zorgstart.nl/twente