In the region, broad prosperity – the quality of life and well-being of residents – is under pressure. There is a tight labor market. At the same time, too many residents are still on the sidelines. To address this challenge, the Drechtsteden municipalities join hands with regional public and private partners to establish the Scholingsfonds Drechtsteden. This fund helps residents develop and utilize their talents so that their job opportunities increase. In doing so, the fund makes an important contribution to the broad prosperity of the region.
Job seekers and those working in and towards jobs in the main opportunity sectors and transitions in the region, can make use of the Scholingsfonds Drechtsteden from mid 2025. This applies to the health and welfare, engineering, transport and logistics, energy transition and maritime sectors. For more information about the training courses and opportunities, residents can visit Werkcentrum Drechtsteden: the new, central point where residents and employers can get advice for questions about work, career development, training and personnel. More information about the trainers and the exact courses to follow will follow at a later date.
Chris van Benschop (Alderman Dordrecht, whose portfolio includes Labor Market and Economy): “We are proud to set up the Scholingsfonds Drechtsteden in co-creation with our partners from the region. With this fund we contribute to increasing the labor potential. By investing in the sustainable employability of our residents, we increase their security of existence. Moreover, by doing so, we provide companies with well-trained personnel, prepared for the changes in work.”
Setting up Scholingsfonds Drechtsteden
In an earlier meeting with alderman Chris van Benschop and representatives of employers and employees, the concept of the Scholingsfonds Drechtsteden was presented. There the idea was received positively. The advisory committee has also been formed, with representatives on behalf of FNV, Werkgevers Drechtsteden, Werkgeversvereniging Zorg- en Welzijn ZHZ, ROC Da Vinci College, UWV and Sociale Dienst Drechtsteden.
In the coming period, the design of the fund will be further shaped in co-creation, with direction from the Municipality of Dordrecht. The input of the partners is very important to create a well-functioning fund that meets the needs of the business community. In addition to financial resources from the Regio Deal Drechtsteden-Gorinchem, the fund will be supplemented by the co-financing parties, consisting of public partners, private partners and educators.
