Staff shortages? SOL supports progress in the food sector

The food industry has been struggling with persistent staff shortages for years. At the same time, a group of highly motivated status holders is eager to get to work. Yet their access to the labor market remains limited. The initiative ‘Status: beschikbaar’ aims to change that.

Focused on long-term placement

SOL (Stichting Ontwikkelingsfonds Levensmiddelenindustrie), in partnership with Werkcentrum Noordoost-Brabant, is launching a pilot program that supports status holders in building a full-fledged career in the sector. “With this initiative, we’re bridging the gap between talent and opportunity,” says Claudia Lette, director of SOL. “We’re helping status holders build a stable future while strengthening the sector at the same time.”

Broad support in four stages

The pilot is exclusively aimed at motivated status holders. Participants follow a structured path that includes language support, a practical pre-training phase, a BBL program with VCA certification, and intensive one-on-one guidance. With years of experience in training within the food industry, SOL knows exactly which skills companies need and how to build them effectively. “This group is incredibly driven,” says Mariska Hermes, project leader at WC NOB. “For them, a job isn’t just work—it’s a key to independence and integration.”

Companies in Noordoost-Brabant needed

The first phase of the pilot is focused on food companies in the Noordoost-Brabant region. Employers who see potential in this workforce and want to contribute to a more inclusive labor market are encouraged to get in touch via [email protected].

Sol-online.nl