The right for children to get proper education en for young people to become economical independent citizens is a task to wich much effort is given to in Alkmaar in this time of economical decline. Young people who leave school with a diploma these years willfind it hard to find jobs. Help and information is needed.
In the ‘worksquare’ for the region Alkmaar recently openend a young people counter and a learning counter. Municipalities, companies and partners in the field of training, education, work and employment work closely together in the ‘worksquare’ to prevent unemployment of young people. They can get help and advise concerning education, diploma, experience certificates and work. Monday 19 January both counters were opened officially.
The young people counter is there for young people which have not gained a start qualification for work and have dropped out of school. The employees of the young people counter approach these young people actively and help them obtain a start qualification by providing an appropriate training, a learning job or a stable workplace. Information is given in the field of training, work and (debt) assistance. The young people counter is a cooperation between eight municipalities in the Alkmaar region, schools, educational centres and employers.
At the learning counter everyone can walk in for aid, information and recommendation on the possibilities of learning and working in the practice, experience certificates (EVC) and tailored training routes. The counter is there for employers, workers and jobseekers. The combination of learning and working at the same time is an excellent manner to get a diploma desired in a work situation. That applies not only for young people, but also for older employees who want develop.

Hans de Vries, Municipality of Alkmaar