1. Plovdiv-Achterhoek Project Plovdiv University 23 April 2014

2. The Plovdiv-Achterhoek Project Why this non commercial initiative? Threatening demographical developments; Difficulties to fill in available jobs; Especial high tech vacancies (metal-electro, agrofood); This threatens the future of the Achterhoek industry; A positive Achterhoek tradition of inflow of foreign workers (Turks, Spaniards).

3. The Dutch initiators VNO-NCW-Midden: the Association of Achterhoek companies; IG&D: the Association of Doetinchem companies; Graafschap College: The main regional organisation for professional training; POAA: Organisation for Education & Labour market

4. Why Plovdiv graduates? Good experiences with people from Eastern Europa (language & mentality); EU: Free labour market 1-1-2014; Good technical skills; ‘Not always Sofia’; Two universities with a good reputation TU-Plovdiv, UFT-Plovdiv; A maximum of 20 graduates (annually?).

5. An impression: Doetinchem, the centre of the Achterhoek www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaP3A0-DioU

6. Where are we standing now? A positive probe (5 companies out of 15); A positive TU Plovdiv; The Boards of all initiators are now formally committed; The province of Gelderland will subsidize; The municipal housing company will participate; Support of Municipality Doetinchem; The Dutch central administration is very interested (‘a pilot’).

7. The next steps (I) Setting the precize conditions for graduates and companies: salary (about €1.300 netto), housing, language study. A structural acquisition in May: 200 Achterhoek companies (metal-electro and agrofood); A constant mutual communication by Facebook: update of developments; Online language course Dutch; A subsidy application.

8. The next steps (II) Contracting of companies: until June; Application by and selection of graduates: End of June; Formal Approvement at the Beginning of August Departure to the Netherlands: October; Start 6-8 weeks Dutch language course: October; Start working at your company (End of November); A contract for one year and (if positive) continuation thereafter.

9. An impression of the innovative potential of the Achterhoek http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1jb_anO vSU&index=25&list=PLcnuyZu8wCgv8SFEplN6 -KK1eZ5185ZhZ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1jb_anO vSU&index=25&list=PLcnuyZu8wCgv8SFEplN6 -KK1eZ5185ZhZ

10. Interested? Send your name, email adress (and preferable your CV in English) before 15 of June to: eric.wijnroks@gmail.com