On January 23, the initiators of the Arbeidsmatchplatform presented their project to Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy. Using AI matching technology, the platform connects candidates with technical employers based on skills and competencies. The technology objectively suggests the best match for each vacancy. It also offers the option of flexible working based on projects and assignments. The initiative aligns with plans by collaborating technical sectors to recruit more technicians.
The Netherlands needs tens of thousands of additional skilled workers to achieve its social and climate-related goals. These skilled workers are available, but usually in sectors and professions other than those desired. The new Arbeidsmatchplatform, an Alliander initiative, aims to make the skills and competencies of skilled workers visible on a large scale across the entire construction and technology sector. This will allow them to be matched more efficiently with employers’ needs for professional knowledge, work, and projects. This new technology also facilitates (lateral) entry. 8vance, through its subsidiary JobLiebe, is the platform’s technology partner. The Minister responded enthusiastically and initiated a follow-up meeting.
A talent ecosystem in Rivierenland
The Arbeidsmatchplatform has significantly accelerated and simplified the existing labor market ecosystem in the Rivierenland pilot region by better matching lateral entrants with jobs. Employers, social partners, and training providers collaborate on the Arbeidsmatchplatform, which uses JobLiebe technology. 8vance, through JobLiebe, provides the AI matching technology behind this platform. JobLiebe was co-founded by 8vance to improve project- and job-based compensation. The Arbeidsmatchplatform provides personalized insight into each candidate’s skills and competencies, suggests matches with technical employers, and operates both nationally and regionally. Based on the technology, personalized training and further training are also suggested, thus closing the gap between current and required skills.
Example for the Labor Market Shortage Action Plan
Five technical sectors and five ministries are now working together to fill a shortage of 60,000 technicians. Their national Action Plan for Technology, Construction, and Energy aims to increase the number of (lateral) entrants, who will be guided and trained for work in the sector based on their skills. Minister Jetten: “The cabinet considers this a priority. We will soon launch an Action Plan for Green and Digital Jobs. This regional initiative in Rivierenland deserves to be replicated nationwide.”
The Arbeidsmatchplatform also facilitates flexible employment relationships by offering regional projects and jobs in technology, construction, infrastructure, and industry, which candidates can choose from. Upon registration, the Arbeidsmatchplatform automatically checks whether the candidate meets all strict requirements and safety certifications. The Arbeidsmatchplatform is fully equipped to support employment ecosystems, which can consist of employers, training providers, the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), and municipalities. All participating parties can collaborate and exchange data nationally and regionally securely and in accordance with the GDPR.
No loss of labor capacity
The platform facilitates joint regional recruitment based on competencies and skills. The goal is to search in the area where someone fits best, not whether someone fits. This differs from current practice. Currently, people often search for the perfect candidate, recruiting them nationally and within the organization. As a result, many skilled professionals fall outside the established framework, making the chance of a transfer small. With joint recruitment based on the best match in terms of competencies and skills, there will be no loss of capacity in the future.
Currently, candidates can choose from more than 100 technical professions. Many candidates can’t see the forest for the trees. The Arbeidsmatchplatform helps these candidates with a Choice Compass. Through five clear yes-no questions, candidates gain more insight into their work preferences. The Choice Compass then recommends which professions are the best fit.
