Holland Gateway hosts Servicepoint HOA workshop - speedmeet

July 8 was a day of happiness and hope as Holland Gateway hosted the speedmeet and coaching session of UWV’s Servicepunt voor Hoger Opgeleide Allochtonen (Servicepoint for highly educated minorities). The idea behind the gathering was to allow employers and jobseekers to meet and peruse the opportunities for cooperation. The day started off with a coaching/training session for the employers. The emphasis was put on providing the employers with practical insight into the mindset and experience of jobseeker who have trouble getting a job due to their ethnicity.

It is more common for highly educated ethnic minorities to suspect ethnicity as a reason for rejection than it is for those with average levels of education. It is therefore useful to educate employers on possible intercultural differences and adjustments that come into play. The training session was in the form of a workshop. In the end the employers received their well-earned certificates of achievement, attesting to their successful participation in the workshop. The certificates were handed out by Carmen Breeveld of Team Care. Then began the main point of the day, the introduction of the highly educated professionals. After a quick presentation and introduction the speedmeet commenced. The employers were on the inside ring of tables, the professionals maneuvered slowly but steadily on the outside.

The deafening roar of a topical vuvuzela spurred on the change of tables. Its relentless timing maintained by the servicepoint’s manager Boudewijn Ariaansz. It allowed all the professionals to get acquainted with all the employers on a equal basis.

To appease the attendees’ dietary requirements, culinary delights from all over the world were on hand, underlining the appeal and added value of cultural diversity.

The event was a resounding success resulting in smiles, happy faces, laughter and most importantly, successful matchings.

Oher notable attendees to the event were Sandra van Gaalen (UWV), Radj Ramcharan (FORUM) and Ad de Ruijter (DIV).