REALISE – Final Conference 11th of February 2013, Brussels GHENT Project co-financed by the European Integration Fund.

Point of departure = creation of a network of local stakeholders + target group

Project objectives To upgrade the performance of each member and to create a better access to relevant knowledge and information.  upgrading To formulate alternative approaches and to facilitate the search for new ways of understanding and intervening.  upstreaming To influence policy makers and policy decisions.  upshifting

Project outcomes Objective Result Upgrading Development of 2 information tools Local Diagnosis Report (1) Website (2) Upstreaming Alternative approach of an existing employment measure Awareness-raising campaign (3) Upshifting Formulation of policy recommendations Policy document (4)

Local Diagnosis Report (1) Objective analysis of the employment situation of skilled migrants in Ghent Methodology desk-based research + in-depth interviews with local stakeholders Results main obstacles for skilled migrants to find a job on the level of education Insufficient knowledge of the labour market Difficulty to get recognition of foreign competences Insufficient knowledge of Dutch Prejudices of employers

Website (2) Objective improving the efficiency and responsiveness of already existing services Methodology thematic categories of questions skilled migrants are dealing with Results providing (practical) information about Job search and career guidance Work experience Lifelong learning Recognition of foreign competences Dutch language classes Legal information

Campaign (3) Objective encouraging employers to hire skilled migrants on the level of education Methodology information session about a specific employment measure (article 60 § 7 of the Social Service Department) Results Awareness-raising Information and succes stories Debate about the employment measure itself (leading to a policy document, cf. supra)

Policy document (4) Objective improving a specific employment measure (article 60 § 7 of the Social Service Department) Methodology questionnaire for persons present on the meeting asking them specific questions about the contents of the employment measure Results policy document submitted at the alderman for employment who is at the same time Chair of the Social Service Employment

Thank you for your attention CONTACT Kom-Pas Gent vzw info@kompasgent.be Thank you for your attention

PLS Panel of Local Stakeholders (PLS) Diverse key local stakeholders Cf. following dia Meetings on a regular basis From Dec 2011 – Dec 2012 Flexible composition Dependent on the issue addressed

PLS (2) Key local stakeholders Official Flemish Employment Service (VDAB); Integration Service of the City of Ghent; Project Eminenta; Project Via Educatie; University of Ghent; Labour unions; Masereelfonds; High-skilled migrants. (added value!)

Local Diagnosis Report Introduction Executive summary Research design and methodology Analysis and findings General labour market situation Profile of immigrants in Ghent Immigrant overqualification situation Legal, policy and service framework Barriers determining overqualification Enabling factors to overcome barriers Conclusions and recommendations

Website Linked with Kom-pas website Thematic categories Clear overview of the existing services Limited information, purpose is to refer skilled migrants to the right services (or websites of these services) Similar PDF-document available Screening on uncomplicated language Debate about website languages

Campaign 28th of September 2012 Addressed to employers of the non-profit sector 27 employers attended the meeting Representing 19 local organisations In cooperation with Social Service Department ODiCe Success stories of skilled migrants working under art.60 § 7 of the Social Service Department

Policy document In cooperation with the Integration Service of the City of Ghent Debate about the contents of the employment measure art.60§7 of the Social Service Department Cost price of a skilled profile in comparison with a low profile is 5x higher Recommendations based on The reactions during the information campaign The reactions on the questionnaire sent out after the campaign