The group tries to develop a series of short-term courses to train people for specific jobs in companies in Leerdam and the surrounding area. The practice companies simulate real working conditions and aim to provide businesses with the opportunity to recruit the right staff at minimal cost. Under the schemes, dozens of job seekers are trained for six to twelve months to work as joiners, repair engineers, cashiers and sales staff. Those chosen will then have an individual training programme designed for them, geared towards their future job. The training takes place both within the practice company and through trainee placements with real companies.
Participants continue to receive unemployment benefit throughout the training course.
During the initial period, the participant follows the theoretical component of the course for one day each week while the other days are spent working under supervision in the practice company. As soon as they gain the necessary qualifications, participants start their three-month training placement with a real company. There they learn to put the theory into practice. For example, participants in the retail practice company can expect to work on a wide range of topics during their work experience including placing orders, stock management, pricing, commercial regulation, competitive relationships, simple administrative processes, commercial skills and cash transactions. After the work placement, trainees are usually kept on by the company.