Springplank

Springplank presents itself as the springboard to a new job for the youngest generation of hard workers. It is aimed at young people who have stopped their studies and want to work: together they build a leerwerktraject op maat, so the young person earns money and still gains a diploma. The company is explicit that it works the other way round from most agencies. It does not look for people to fill open vacancies, it looks for a job that fits the individual while they follow a BBL, BOL or HBO part-time course. The site addresses three audiences separately, the young people themselves, their parents, who are told the company thinks in opportunities, and employers.

For companies, a leerwerktraject consists of a suitable part-time course and a part-time role at the client's business, so that the young people are of value to themselves and to the employer. The working relationship is detachering: the young person signs a contract with Springplank and can work at one or more companies during its term, and if the placement does not fit they look for other work until the match is right. Springplank pays for the course, cursussen and lesmiddelen, and where needed arranges transport, whether a car, work van, scooter or electric bicycle. Pay depends on the role and the CAO of the employer. At a first meeting the company asks for a CV, a copy of the diploma, a valid passport, ID or driving licence, and a bank card.

Springplank works with regional employers from Oude Bosch 11 in Hardenberg and Bedrijvenpark Twente 419 in Almelo, and is an initiative of THP. Appointments can be made by WhatsApp on its mobile number or by email. Douwe Koebrugge says his drive comes from knowing from experience how hard it is to find a fitting course, while John Fraterman points to the bespoke trajectories and the rule that they do not stop before a perfect match is found.