ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

ISS Netherlands has partnered with the Refugee Talent Hub - a non-profit effort led by ISS customer Accenture along with other corporations, public agencies, and NGOs - to support and accelerate the acceptance, integration, education and employment of refugees in the Netherlands.

The first traineeships and full positions at ISS were launched on the Refugee Talent Hub's digital platform at the end of November.

The Hub centres on an application where a smart algorithm matches refugees with employers, such as ISS, which provide professional opportunities, training, and support.

Based on applicants' professional profiles, the system identifies skills gaps and provides refugees with access to training that will fill those gaps. The Hub also aims to reduce the processing time of asylum requests and offers applicants support through mentorship and networking.

Kees Stroomer, country manager of ISS Netherlands said: "We are proud of this partnership, as it addresses two urgent issues: businesses need skilled employees and refugee talent remains underutilised.

"The asylum procedure in the Netherlands can take a year or longer. During that time we can help refugees engage in ‘meaningful waiting' by offering them training and other ways to prepare them to enter the labour market and integrate into Dutch life." As part of its partnership with the Refugee Talent Hub, ISS Netherlands signed an "Amsterdam is for everyone" pact with the City of Amsterdam earlier this year - a public commitment to help people with a residence permit join the labour market more quickly.

The new employees will receive professional training and guidance, as other ISS employees do, as well as support in learning to work in a Dutch company, establishing a healthy work-life balance, and practicing the Dutch language in a professional context.