For employers

Employers that have already participated in the programme vary from small or medium sized companies to multinationals. A few examples: Siemens Turbomachinery, Randstad Holding, Pentair, PowerPacker, Rotor, De LageLanden, Vitens, Receps, etc.

Read their testimonials!

How does Connect work?

International graduates from Saxion and Twente University come from all over the world, and graduate in one of our Bachelor of Master programmes. While finishing their programme, they can apply for Connect, and will go through a strict selection process. We  will only present the high potential candidates to employers.

After selection, they are being prepared for working in the Netherlands through training sessions on communication and intercultural skills, and Dutch language classes. Meanwhile, they are presented to companies in order to make a good match.

When a successful match is made with an employer, trainees sign a temporary labour contract with the company. The duration of a traineeship is flexible, but usually between 6 and 12 months. During this time trainees receive a modest salary; minimum wage for 23 year olds and up, as established by Dutch law. Trainees will carry out previously described and agreed projects and tasks. These can be specific projects, but may also involve the trainee taking part in the daily work routine of a team or department. The level of work should always correspond to the education programme the trainees have just finished (Bachelor or Master).

Companies are requested to pay a fee when a successful match is made.

Why do companies like to work with Connect trainees? 

First of all, companies like the international mindset of Connect trainees. Apart from that, the specific knowledge an international graduate has of his/her language, country and culture, can be most valuable for companies trading with this country, having an office there, exploring the market, communicate with suppliers or clients, etc.

Also, since our trainees have recently graduated, they possess the most updated knowledge in their field of work.

Companies find the traineeship a financially attractive and flexible way of finding out whether a candidate is a good match for the employer. There is no need for a long and expensive recruitment and selection process, since that is already done by Connect. Also, companies highly value the involvement of both Saxion and Twente University before and during the traineeship period.

Profile Connect trainees 

All candidates speak fluent English, their knowledge of Dutch varies from person to person, but all are learning Dutch. The programmes they studied vary from technical to commercial, and from environmental technology to marketing (Bachelor and Master). Please see the list of current trainees.

Work and residence permit are arranged. Most trainees make use of the “search year permit”, which allows international graduates with a Dutch higher education diploma to stay and work in the Netherlands up to a year after graduation.

All candidates are planning a long term stay in the Netherlands.

Afterwards

If, after finishing the traineeship, both employer and trainee would like to continue the working relationship, the contract could be extended. The salary should be competitive from that moment on. The residence and work permit most trainees and companies opt for after their traineeship, is "highly skilled immigrant permit". The Connect management can provide more information on this regulation.

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