The Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) included the City of Mechelen’s approach in its database of good practices. Within the Local Activation Pact (LAP), Mechelen is building an accessible and data-driven approach to guide residents receiving a living wage and job seekers with complex needs sustainably to work. At its heart is the JobRoad pathway: three months of intensive screening, matching and job hunting, followed by a month of aftercare in the workplace.
Some results from the article: in 2024, 433 people were guided sustainably to work, and a quarter of JobRoad participants remained employed for more than three months. Weekly job application workshops at the Sociaal Huis, walk-in sessions by temp agency partners and job days provide a direct link with employers.