Project: Every vocational student a good start on the labour market
Organisation: jINC
Mission
JINC strives for a society in which your background does not determine your future. That’s why they help young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods to get a good start on the labour market.
Project
JINC’s NetwerkWijzer
NetwerkWijzer is a program designed to help vocational (mbo) students build and strengthen their networking skills. Through practical workshops and guided interactions with professionals, students learn how to present themselves, expand their network, and access job opportunities they might not find through traditional channels. The goal is to empower students to take an active role in shaping their career paths.
JINC’s Handen uit de Mouwen
Handen uit de Mouwen (which translates to “Roll Up Your Sleeves”) focuses on developing essential employability skills among vocational students. Participants engage in hands-on activities, simulations, and assignments that mirror real-life work situations. The program helps them practice collaboration, communication, punctuality, and problem-solving – key skills that employers value.
JINC’s Clinics for Work
The Clinics for Work are short, targeted modules aimed at young people who face barriers entering the labour market. These clinics focus on strengthening both soft skills (such as attitude and communication) and practical job-seeking skills (like writing a CV or preparing for an interview). The clinics are flexible and can be tailored to the needs of different groups, with the aim of increasing confidence and job-readiness.
Impact
JINC’s structured and recurring activities, delivered during school hours, are highly impactful. The strength of JINC’s approach lies in its close collaboration with professionals and companies from key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and logistics. Each year, over 6,500 business professionals volunteer their time, and more than 900 partner companies provide financial support and expertise - creating tangible, lasting change in the lives of young people.
JINC’s impact is threefold:
- Broadening young people’s horizons
JINC connects students from under-resourced communities with professionals from the business world, breaking down social barriers. Business volunteers often report that their experience challenges their assumptions, while students say they gain new insights into career possibilities they had never considered. - Building confidence and a sense of self-worth
Through personal attention and encouragement, JINC’s trainers help young people feel welcome and capable in the world of work. This sense of belonging boosts their belief that they can contribute meaningfully to society. - Developing essential skills
Many of the students JINC works with grow up without role models in professional fields. JINC offers them access to the kinds of social, communication, and decision-making skills that are critical for success but are not always taught at home.
Every year, JINC empowers approximately 90.000 students across 17 Dutch regions - from Amsterdam to Zuid-Limburg - helping them build the confidence and competences they need for a fair and promising start in the labour market.