In the past three months, the Amersfoort Living Lab (LL) has achieved notable progress in both sectors it operates in: the technical sector and childcare. Through strategic partnerships, data-driven approaches, and targeted interventions, the LL continues to pave the way for improved labor market inclusion for vulnerable groups.
Technical Sector
The Living Lab is preparing to launch the National Career Paths Plan in early 2025. This initiative streamlines subsidy programs to support employers in boosting workforce entry and upward mobility within the sector. To align local efforts with national goals, the LL has actively engaged municipalities and regional stakeholders.
- Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Key meetings have been held to identify how regional actors can contribute to the national plan. The Amersfoort municipality has emerged as a pivotal partner, with Synclusive providing vital facilitation support.
- Data-Driven Targeting: In collaboration with the UWV data management team (https://www.uwv.nl/en ), the LL has been leveraging regional data to identify the most vulnerable groups requiring training and development. These insights will guide intervention strategies to maximize impact.
Childcare Sector
The Living Lab is advancing its intervention plan to address workforce development and retention challenges in the childcare sector. Gaining the support of regional managers remains a top priority to ensure successful implementation.
- Engagement with Regional Managers: The LL has prepared an information letter summarizing key research findings and intervention details. This letter will be presented during a regional managers’ meeting in December to gather feedback and refine the approach.
- Intervention Package Development: Work is underway to finalize a comprehensive intervention package, set for rollout in February 2025. This package will include tailored training and support initiatives designed to address the sector’s unique needs.
- Sector Expansion Opportunities: Through discussions with the Amersfoort municipality the LL team is exploring the possibility of extending the intervention to additional childcare organizations and, potentially, to the education or healthcare sectors.