Gaining work experience, applications

What is it?

Ask for a participation place or work experience place if you have benefits and cannot find work. You may then gain work experience while keeping your benefit. The work is between 16 and 32 hours per week. You will also receive guidance at work. This increases your chances of getting a permanent job.

What is the difference between a work experience place and a participation place? A work experience place, for example, is designed to gain a certain type of work experience.

A participation place is not about the work. You are given a participation place if, for example, you need to get used to working or working with colleagues (again). After 9 months the municipality assesses whether your chances on the labor market have improved.

How does it work?

The Requirements for a participation place are:

  • You have benefits.
  • You have been unemployed for a long time.
  • There should be no vacancy for the position.
  • You may work at a participation place for a maximum of 2 years. After that you may work 1 more time at another participation place.
  • A work experience placement lasts 3 months and can be extended 1 time for another 3 months.

If you would like to gain work experience, you can apply at the Activerium, Marktstraat 6 in Kerkrade. You will then have an interview with a reintegration consultant from the municipality to look at your personal possibilities together.

Additional information