Zakaria takes his chance with the practical statement

Zakaria (42 years old) is eager to learn. He wants to develop himself. So when he was asked at work if he wanted to practice statement When he wanted to get his diploma, Zakaria didn't hesitate: of course, he would! Six months later, he had his practical certificate. And he continues to learn.

Zakaria has been employed at the development company for three years KempenPlus in Bladel. He works in the production department, where goods are prepared for transport. Zakaria used to do that work too, but now he has a different task: assisting colleagues with their work and monitoring the quality of their work. Is the number of products in the box correct, and do the boxes have the correct shipping labels?

Custom Made

"We saw that Zakaria could do more than just production work," says his supervisor Johan at KempenPlus. "That's why we gave him more responsibility and offered him the opportunity to obtain a Level 1 practical certificate." Zakaria jumped at the chance. "I enjoy helping colleagues. I want everything to go well."

Zakaria received six months of on-the-job guidance during the process leading up to his practical certification. This was primarily from Johan and Marij, who do the same work as him. Ime van Berloo, from Summa, supervised the process. "The practical certification is customized," she says. "Everyone develops their own learning points, depending on their own needs and the company's requirements. In Zakaria's case, it was primarily about interacting with colleagues, communicating, providing feedback, and managing production. These are tasks that are part of his current job."

Dream

Zakaria is happy with the guidance he received. "Everyone has been very helpful in helping me develop further and become more engaged in my work. I've learned, among other things, to think carefully before I speak. Johan and Marij have given me good tips. And I've also had good conversations with Ime about what went well and what could be improved."

Zakaria is enjoying his time in the Netherlands. He loves living and working here. And he wants to learn more about Dutch culture and working methods. He also has dreams. "I'd like to start my own business later. In Syria, I also had a business selling building materials like glass, aluminum, and ceilings. Because of the language, that's still difficult here. But I'm improving my Dutch a little every day. For example, I watch YouTube videos. And I have a notebook where I write down words I hear but don't know. I then ask what they mean and write them down."

Employee interest

So Zakaria isn't done learning just yet. In fact, he'll soon start his practical certification at level 2. Level 1 focuses on general skills, while level 2 focuses on professional skills. "We're happy with people like Zakaria," says Johan. "We're also happy with the practical certification and the collaboration with Summa. Many development methods involve fixed assignments. Not here; it's customized. The program is designed based on the employee's interests. That keeps them motivated."

KempenPlus has now registered nine employees for the practical certificate. Six for level 1, three for level 2, including Zakaria. "I think it's important that people develop themselves," he says. "I tell my colleagues that too. And with the practical certificate, they can do that in a pleasant way, with good guidance."

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