Problem addressed

Prins Heerlijk responds to the limited labour market perspectives of young people with serious learning difficulties or a disability, who often leave school without a qualification and struggle to find and keep meaningful work. Many of them experience low self-confidence, social isolation and a lack of opportunities to develop practical skills in real work environments. At the same time, employers in horeca, retail and care face shortages of motivated, well-prepared staff, while social support systems are not always equipped to provide integrated learning, work and living trajectories. This situation risks long-term dependence on benefits and reduced participation in society for these young people.

Innovative solution

Prins Heerlijk is a social enterprise that combines education, work-based learning and tailored support in its own training companies in hospitality and retail, complemented by placements with partner employers in care and service sectors. Young people aged roughly 16–27 learn a profession while working in real restaurants, shops and service locations, supported by professional coaches who focus on development, autonomy, responsibility and wellbeing at the individual’s own pace. In cooperation with VET providers such as De Rooi Pannen and ROC Tilburg, participants can obtain an MBO diploma, increasing their chances of sustainable employment. For those who need more intensive support, Prins Heerlijk offers additional guidance and the option of assisted living in its own housing facilities, ensuring an integrated trajectory from learning to living and working.

Key results and benefits

Prins Heerlijk enables young people with learning difficulties or a disability to grow into confident service staff in hospitality, retail and care, often obtaining recognised qualifications and securing lasting jobs. Participants report increased self-esteem, independence and pride in their work, while families and professionals observe greater social participation and stability. Employers gain motivated, well-prepared employees and benefit from ongoing collaboration with a specialised partner that understands both educational and workplace requirements. The organisation has received several awards for its socially responsible entrepreneurship and innovative education-in-enterprise model, underlining the broader societal added value of this approach.

Potential for mainstreaming

The Prins Heerlijk model demonstrates how integrating vocational education, social care and real business operations can create inclusive pathways into regular employment for young people with limited labour market prospects. Its learning-by-doing concept in horeca, retail and care can be replicated in other sectors and regions, particularly where employers are open to co-creating customised learning workplaces. Structural partnerships with VET schools, municipalities, social services and impact-oriented funders show how governance and financing can support long-term continuity. With its strong track record and recognised quality, the approach offers clear potential for scaling within national activation policies and EU priorities on youth inclusion and employment.