The OCMW (Public Centre for Social Welfare) and the Boerenbond (Farmers' Union) are joining forces with a new project that connects employers from Dentergem with job seekers from the same municipality. The aim is to better utilize local opportunities and ensure that job seekers can find employment in their own region as much as possible.
Agricultural and horticultural businesses seeking additional workers can contact the OCMW. The social services department will assess possibilities with the employer and identify suitable job seekers. This initiative aims to better match local supply and demand, provide job seekers with opportunities close to home, and strengthen local employment and the economy through the local government.
The project's ambition is to facilitate the transition to sustainable employment, but temporary jobs or seasonal work are also considered important stepping stones.
Furthermore, the project offers additional support. Employers who hire an employee through this channel can receive guidance from the Boerenbond on applying for employment subsidies and potential reductions in social security contributions. Training for employees, largely financed by the project, is also an option.
The OCMW plays a crucial role as an intermediary, as its social services also support individuals who are currently unemployed. Collaboration with VDAB (Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service) is also significant. Through a direct contact point within the OCMW, job seekers from Dentergem can receive closer follow-up and be matched with local agricultural and horticultural employers seeking staff.
This pilot project is a collaboration between the Local Government of Dentergem, Boerenbond, VDAB, and the cabinet of Inburgering (Integration), and is executed by the Knowledge Centre for Green Sectors.
