In the training 'Strong at work' a world opened up for me

Chantal Koning (49) has just known that she has been hired by Doel Delfland, a part of the mental health centre. After 5 years without work, she is eager to start. At the training ‘Sterk at work’ by Werkse! She learned to name her qualities and believe in herself. “Exactly the phust I needed!”

Chantal: “Five years ago I had several surgeries that I had to recover from for a while. At that time I worked for myself as a pedicure. For that work I went to people on my bicycle with trailer to take care of their feet. During the corona period I was not allowed to work for a while. When I was allowed back to work I turned out to have serious problems with my wrists. I had no more strength in my wrists, had a lot of pain and eventually I had to have surgery on it. The disadvantage was that as a self-employed person I did not receive any benefits.”

Nice conversations
After a tip from an acquaintance, Chantal contacted Werkse!. “I didn’t have so many expectations for it, but I already had nice conversations with consultant Chelle. She was positive and saw opportunities for me. Although I did not have benefits, I was allowed to follow the training ‘Streak at work’. And I can recommend that training to everyone! It’s great how you’re being guided in it.”

Strengthen yourself
Chantal says she got to know her qualities and pitfalls. “I really grew through it. One of the parts is that you learn to address yourself positively. That is to strengthen yourself. And so the whole training is focussed on developing to work. For example, the trainers look at how you present yourself, also in your cover letter and resume. With those tips, I made my resume more attractive. I also found it useful that I could join the track caravan. In addition, you get a look behind the scenes at various companies. What does this company do and what work is there?

Radiating after feedback
According to Chantal, you learn more about yourself in all parts. “We did an escape room. There we went to solve puzzles in a room as a group. The goal was to work together with each other. The trainers watched and afterwards the good points were named. For example, I heard that I communicate well and take the lead at the right times. It’s nice to hear those positive things. I was just going to shine. Of course, there is also attention to pitfalls. This way I am sometimes chaotic, or too accommodating. But you learn to deal with that.”

Self-confidence
The pitch Chantal did also helped her. “In this case, you presented yourself in a story around 4 questions to a number of account managers of Werkse!. That went well. The account managers all said they saw job opportunities for me! Of course, those compliments are good for your self-confidence.” She also made a number of interest tests. ”This showed that I am broadly interested and that I find social contacts important.”

Apply
Soon after the training, Chantal had job interviews at 2 companies. “At the mental health care, I immediately felt in my place. The conversation went naturally. They were looking for an employee activity guidance, I also spent a morning looking at what that work is like. Among other things, I will plan bus rides for the clients of the mental health centre. The organisation has 6 buses with volunteer drivers. They bring clients to all kinds of appointments and activities. There is a schedule, but the schedule often changes. You will then have a lot of contact with drivers, clients and colleagues every day.”

Good atmosphere
In the past, Chantal worked as an activity counsellor for the elderly, including people with dementia. She also has many contacts with mental health. “As I walked along, I noticed how good the atmosphere is. A driver waved at me and after conversations the clients immediately have a place in my heart.” Chantal is now working there with an annual contract for 36 hours a week. After she got the news, she sent an email to Werkse! To thank. “You have to find work yourself, but I needed a wheelbarrow to help me move forward. I am eternally grateful to the staff.”

Photo: Alyssa van Heyst