It's official: Wittenborg and VNO-NCW Midden launch Expat Centre Central Netherlands

26.02.2024

Expat Centre Central Netherlands Supports Employers and International Talent

On 15 February, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences and VNO-NCW Midden officially launched the Expat Centre Central Netherlands during an event at Wittenborg's Brinklaan study location in Apeldoorn.

To mark the occasion, Mayor Ton Heerts of Apeldoorn and other stakeholders attended the launch, coinciding with an information session on EU and non-EU English-speaking talent. During the event, representatives from EURES, including Rosa Bouwman, Samira Belhadj and Erik Boon, addressed topics such as labour mobility. Meanwhile, representatives from Tentoo, including Daniël van den Oever and Sierk-Jan Ybema, shared insights into highly skilled migrants and related matters.

Hans Kornmann, CEO of Divitel in Apeldoorn, also shared his experience in hiring international graduates in the Netherlands.
For Wittenborg's Director of Corporate Governance, Karen Penninga, Kornmann's speech was particularly inspiring. He spoke about personal experiences, highlighting the importance of understanding the needs of international staff members.

"He pointed out that he sometimes attracts employees from other very large companies to the Netherlands because they prefer to work in somewhat smaller-sized organisations where they feel more at home," she explained. "So it is important to understand the needs of international talent and see where those can be met."

Building upon this, the event's standout moment was the official launch of the Expat Centre, spearheaded by Mayor Heerts, Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng and the Regional Chairman of VNO-NCW Midden, Rijn Platteel. This landmark occasion signifies a crucial step in the Stedendriehoek's endeavour to retain skilled international professionals and facilitate their smooth integration into the Netherlands.

According to Penninga, the aim of the Expat Centre is twofold: "We aim to increase the overall retention rate of highly skilled migrants in the Stedendriehoek region, as employers require highly skilled and qualified staff. This can be achieved by assisting them in adapting to their new working and living environment. For instance, we provide information on Dutch systems such as taxes and healthcare, language courses, and host events focused on integration with the local community. Additionally, connecting businesses and organisations with international graduates and knowledge migrants is the primary focus of the Expat Centre."

VNO-NCW Midden considers this "an important endeavour to support and guide international talent effectively, as well as to provide relief to employers" - who sometimes struggle to fill open vacancies.

Mayor Heerts expressed his delight at the Expat Centre Central Netherlands. After the launch, he shared: "Connecting international students with employers who can make good use of these English-speaking talents is much needed. Not only to help these young individuals get off to a good start but also to support employers."

For Feng, this initiative is a promising start for businesses in the region.

"English-speaking talents can certainly contribute to addressing the labour market shortages in the region. The Expat Centre Central Netherlands is a cooperative initiative. We can make the region more inclusive with greater diversity while increasing labour participation. We look forward to welcoming more members. We're in this together."

Job Fair Central Netherlands

As part of the ongoing efforts to foster collaboration between international talent and regional employers, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for companies and organisations in the region. Following the successful launch of the Expat Centre Central Netherlands, Wittenborg extends an invitation to participate in the upcoming 'Job Fair Central Netherlands'.

Scheduled for 7 June at Apeldoorn City Hall, this event provides a platform for local businesses to engage with motivated individuals from diverse backgrounds. By connecting employers with English-speaking and international talent, the job fair aims to address the region's talent needs while promoting economic growth and diversity. Interested parties can find detailed information on becoming an exhibitor in the Information Pack. For further inquiries, feel free to email relations@wittenborg.eu.