Plus! Madam

General: 

In this project we focus very specifically on Brussels women with a maximum of a Belgian (or recognized in Belgium) secondary education diploma who need a (higher) income. To reach this target group, partner IN-Brussels will guarantee an intensive preliminary process in which women are prepared for a (financially) independent life. They are assisted in this by Avansa Citizenne, an organization that works on community building and learning, to break the isolation of the target group and teach them specific skills. In the final phase, JobRoad is working on bringing job seekers and the labour market closer together by sensitizing and encouraging employers to recruit this target group. We achieve the linking of job seekers and employers by setting up a matchmaking campaign in Brussels for this target group.  

How does a matchmaking campaign work? 

The matchmaking actions follow the three-phase model developed by JobRoad: 

1. Kickstart – the companies 

Companies that are looking for employees and declare that they are open to the target group, inform the trajectory counsellors of (ex)integrators during the kickstart meeting about the corporate culture and their relevant vacancies. These companies are committed to meeting candidates from the target group, who are presented by JobRoad, without the requirement of a CV (‘blind hiring’). 

2. Screening & Matching – the candidates 

Candidates are registered by trajectory counsellors on the screening & matching day, organized by JobRoad. On that day, the candidates are screened for their motivation, learning ability, relevant experience, competencies and talent for basic communication. They are matched by JobRoad to participating companies and vacancies. 

3. Project week – the introduction 

During the project week, JobRoad accompanies the selected candidates to the participating companies. Through the exploration of the working environment, they are presented with all information about the vacancies. Later that day, the candidates meet individually with the company’s HR manager. 
 
For candidates who are not retained after the project week, opportunities within the network of JobRoad companies (ambassador companies) will be further explored.). 
 
The personal approach via the JobRoad model transcends the barriers of language, mobility and competence(s). These aspects often make easy access to the regular labour market difficult for this target group. The project model appears to be an efficient lever to help them find a job, allowing them to fully participate in society again.