On May 26, more than 90 business leaders, professionals and experts gathered in Antwerp for an evening of networking, around a common conviction: Businesses can make a difference in making the job market more inclusive.
The evening was organized in collaboration with the firms Schoups, Eiffage, Ackermans & Van Haaren, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and LIFE. Among the participants: BASF, Colruyt Group, Jan De Nul, Jan De Nul, VOKA, VOKA, Province of Antwerp, Besix, Decathlon, the Antwerp Bar, Embuild, Reynders, Select Group... and many more.
A central question: How can businesses, through mentoring and partnerships, contribute to more equal opportunities and access to employment?
Businesses make a difference
“Businesses have the power and the responsibility to initiate positive societal change,” says Marco Schoups, from the law firm Schoups. “By supporting mentoring, we are showing that inclusion is not a buzzword, but a shared mission. If we want to reach an employment rate of 80%, we must focus fully on support and equal opportunities.”
During the evening, three forms of impact were highlighted:
- As an employer : by giving a chance to young people from diverse backgrounds
- As a mentor : by encouraging their employees to share their expertise on a voluntary basis
- As a partner : by supporting DUO financially
DUO works according to a unique hybrid model, where public and private resources reinforce each other. “Partnerships with companies are essential”, underlines Ifasso De Moor, director of DUO for a JOB Anvers. “They open doors, not only for young people, but also for a job market that values every talent.”
Self-confidence and plans for the future thanks to a mentor
One of the most striking moments of the evening was the testimony of Thierry and Hicham, a duo who completed their journey in December 2024.
Hicham (32) arrived from Morocco in 2019. Despite a degree in physical education, he worked for several years as a warehouse worker and order picker via interim contracts. “I felt that it was not right for me. I was always getting rejections. Until I discovered DUO.”
Thierry (64), a former sales manager in the construction sector, became his mentor. “I found the career at DUO very professional and well-structured. We worked step by step on confidence, a plan for the future and the skills to apply.”
Together, they identified Hicham's strengths and interests. Today, he is completing his training as an electrician, obtained his VCA certificate, and is preparing to join the job market. “I was lost before meeting Thierry. Now I have a plan, a future, and I believe in myself again.” — Hicham
Mentoring: a driver of inclusion and economic impact
Since 2013, DUO for a JOB has been connecting young people with immigration backgrounds with mentors over 50 years old. An intensive and personalized support of six months, whose effectiveness has been proven: 👉 70% of young mentees access a job, an internship or a sustainable training course.
This model generates a multiple added valueÂ
âś… It increases the employment rate
âś… It allows real integration, including for vulnerable groups (long-term unemployed, women with an immigration background, young NEET)
âś… It reduces the costs associated with long-term unemployment
âś… And above all: companies that integrate diversity are more innovative, make better decisions and achieve better results
An inspiring evening, full of commitment and exchanges.
Thank you to all participants and partners, all committed to a more inclusive labour market!
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🎥 Watch the aftermovie of the event
🤝 Do you want to become a partner? Contact Justine Rolland j.rolland@duoforajob.org
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