€2.9 Million for Work-Study Opportunities in Groningen's Northern Districts
With support from the EU's Just Transition Fund, Groningen launches a multi-year project to train and employ local residents in construction, sustainability, and neighbourhood development.
The Municipality of Groningen, together with WerkPro and Alfa-college, has received €2.9 million from the European Just Transition Fund (JTF) to support work-study opportunities in eight northern districts of the city. The funding will run through the end of 2027 and is aimed at helping residents who are not currently in work or education gain practical training and job prospects—especially in sectors like construction, technology, and sustainability.
Learning in the Neighborhood
The initiative, titled ‘The Neighborhood as a Learning Workplace’, is part of the National Programme for Liveability and Safety Groningen-Noord (NPLV). It brings learning and working opportunities directly into the neighborhoods, especially for young people, job seekers, and status holders. The project offers practical training at MBO-2/3 level, often with a job guarantee through the AanDeBak scheme. Employers have committed to hiring trainees, and housing corporations are creating enough local work opportunities.
Alderman Carine Bloemhoff, who chairs the regional labor market council and sits on the JTF steering committee, emphasized the project’s importance: “With this initiative, we can offer real prospects for residents in these neighborhoods. This investment enables concrete progress in connecting education, employment, and sustainability.”
Neighborhood Guilds and Activities
An important part of the project is the expansion of neighborhood guilds—local training collectives where participants can gain work experience and certifications close to home. Pilots have shown strong results: 85% of participants receive a diploma or certificate, and nearly half stay involved in neighborhood activities long-term.
In addition, the project supports wijkbedrijvigheid (neighborhood business), offering low-threshold activities such as litter collection, appliance repair, and running giveaway shops. These initiatives build community engagement, self-confidence, and skill development.
Local Partnerships and Broader Impact
Multiple housing corporations and contractors are working with the project to address both the labor shortage and the sustainability challenge in the northern city districts. By training local residents and boosting employment, the initiative contributes to broader goals in education, safety, and community well-being.
The project formally launched at the beginning of 2025 and will continue until December 2027. For more details, visit the official municipal site.