An employment project aimed at getting refugees into work has helped almost 800 people find a job, although two-thirds are in work experience places or doing voluntary work.

The Startbaan project was set up three years ago to help 600 refugees enter the labour market and so far has placed 800 people, making it ‘a resounding success’, the Volkskrant says.

In total, 2,600 refugees applied to take part but some two-thirds were not considered ‘ready’ for the jobs market, despite having gone through a formal integration course. Language was also a major issue, the Volkskrant says.

Chats with the neighbour

‘People often think that refugees can fully participate in Dutch society after taking an integration exam,’ said Vluchtelingenwerk director Dorine Manson. ‘But having a chat with the neighbour is completely different to having professional contact with fellow workers.’

The project is a joint venture between refugee foundation Vluchtelingenwerk and the UAF foundation, which helps refugee students. It was funded by a €3m donation from the Postcode Lottery.

Of the 789 refugees who now have a job, 31% have a regular employment contract, 26% are on a subsidised trainee scheme and 43% are doing voluntary work or gaining work experience, the Volkskrant says.