Dynamisch Op Weg

Dynamisch Op Weg is a Dutch social enterprise focused on reintegrating people distant from the labour market, such as refugees and long-term unemployed. The organisation is creating employment and training opportunities in the collection, reuse, and sale of goods. Their mission combines social impact with sustainability by promoting circular economy principles through waste reduction and the active reuse of products. The initiative empowers vulnerable groups with practical skills that enhance employability while contributing to a zero-waste society.

Problem addressed

Many people in the Netherlands face significant barriers to entering or returning to the labour market, including limited work experience, uncertainty about their abilities, and a lack of supportive, low-threshold opportunities to start. Standard recruitment and employment pathways often demand immediate productivity and full clarity about job fit, which can deter those who are unsure, anxious, or have been out of work for longer periods. As a result, people who could thrive with the right guidance and gradual onboarding remain side-lined, missing chances to develop skills, confidence, and sustainable work perspectives.

Innovative solution

Dynamisch op Weg tackles these barriers by offering a highly accessible entry route into work, where people can quickly sign up and even test a working day before committing. This trial option lowers psychological and practical thresholds, allowing candidates to explore whether the work suits their interests, capacities, and personal situation. The organisation positions itself as a supportive team environment, signalling that newcomers “fit perfectly” and will not be left alone in figuring things out. This client-friendly, stepwise approach makes work-based learning and reintegration more attractive and realistic for those who need security and experimentation before taking the next step.

Key results and benefits

By enabling people to try out a working day, Dynamisch op Weg helps participants make informed choices about their future job, reducing mismatches and early drop-out. Candidates gain a concrete, experience-based understanding of tasks, team culture, and expectations, which builds confidence and motivation. The organisation simultaneously identifies who is likely to succeed with further support, increasing the effectiveness of its onboarding and guidance. This mutual clarity benefits both participants and the employer, fostering more sustainable placements and better prospects for continued participation in the labour market.

The biggest gain is for the well-being of the young people themselves, the social benefits of the project seem to be great. The Work and Health research group of HAN University of Applied Sciences (HAN) has started an impact calculation.

70% of participants found a job after completing the program.

20% continue to a BBL training program at InfraVak.

90% of the participants come to work on a trial basis for a week.

Potential for mainstreaming

The approach used by Dynamisch op Weg is easy to replicate across sectors and regions, as it relies on adaptable principles rather than complex structures. Offering trial workdays, rapid sign-up, and a welcoming team culture can be integrated into existing social enterprises, public employment services, and employer networks. Policymakers and funders could encourage such low-threshold, experiential entry models within broader labour market inclusion and social innovation programmes, including ESF+-type schemes. Scaling this concept would help more people with doubts or distance to work to take the first step, test options safely, and transition into jobs that genuinely fit their skills and aspirations.