EAI - Highly Educated

With the support of the Flemish government, specifically the Agency for Internal Administration, we developed a program specifically aimed at highly-educated (ex-) integrators and newcomers.

Objective of the project:

Integration through work for highly-educated, non-native speakers ((ex-)integrators & newcomers)

The employment rate of highly-educated newcomers in Flanders remains low. This project aims to strengthen activation and guidance towards the labor market, specifically for highly-educated non-native speakers. We focus on (ex-)integrators and newcomers. This target group requires more intensive support due to the high degree of specialization and niche professional context. Despite the great potential of this group, there are still few specialized pathways for them. To successfully complete the project, we aim for the activation of 63 highly-educated non-native speakers spread across the 3 planned actions in Ghent, Antwerp, and Leuven.

The project follows the four-phase model developed by JobRoad: 

1. Kickstart – companies in dialogue

   The kickstart phase brings together companies (12) and jobcoaches from different intermediary organisations to strengthen the bridge to sustainable employment. This occurs in two parallel sessions:

   • Panel discussion with 6 companies: Here, companies share their insights on desired profiles, recruitment policies, and their vision on diversity and inclusion.
   • Roundtable discussion with 6 other companies: In an interactive setting, employers discuss the same themes, with room for in-depth exchange and knowledge sharing.
2. Workshop for candidates

   Prior to the screening and matching, candidates attend a targeted workshop where they:

   • Learn to understand the Belgian labor market.
   • Learn to identify their own competencies and find them in job vacancies.
   • Create a competency profile for (re)orientation in the labor market and determine a clear job target.
3. Screening & Matching – individual conversations

   Each candidate is invited for an individual one-hour conversation, where we actively search for the best possible match with the participating companies and vacancies. Through a thorough analysis of their profile and ambitions, we connect them to employers that align with their talents and career opportunities.

4. Event – meetings and networking moments

   The event forms the core of the pathway:

   • Each candidate meets at least three companies through the Blind Hiring concept (without a CV) and engages in open discussions about possibilities.
   • Following the initial conversations, individual in-depth discussions take place with companies that show further interest.
   • Simultaneously, there is a networking moment where candidates can approach additional employers, thereby expanding their opportunities and network.

A personal and effective approach

The JobRoad model offers a personal approach that overcomes barriers like language, mobility, and competencies. This project serves as a powerful lever to sustainably integrate highly-educated multilingual newcomers into the labor market and accelerate their pathway to a suitable job. Our close collaboration with VDAB, the Agency for Integration and Immigration, Amal, Atlas, and the local administrations of Ghent, Antwerp, and Leuven adds significant value.