As a program manager, I can be found daily at the Brainport Human Campus in Helmond. Here everything revolves around the domain of people, work and society. You will find companies with broad HR expertise, educational institutions and social initiatives.
The campus is an inspiring and busy location where happiness at work really takes center stage. Every day we receive more than 400 professionals, over 70 students and all kinds of visitors from organizations we work with. In short, the campus is a vibrant place, where I am extremely happy at work. Every day is different and brings new challenges. I love that dynamism and variety, the impact we make together on the job market.
The power of connection
I am a real connector and like to bring employees, organizations and entrepreneurs together to inspire each other, share knowledge and look for new ideas and innovative solutions that can strengthen the labor market of tomorrow.
Every time again I experience how valuable it is to bring parties together around an important challenge or relevant theme. Solutions are often best when organizational boundaries can be crossed. Especially now the shortage on the labor market demands a new way of thinking, looking and especially: doing.
From diplomas to motivations
The current labor market demands agility and people who want to and can learn. It is a waste to continue to select on the basis of a diploma. The question should be: what can someone do, what does someone want and what (life) experiences does someone bring? Because skills are not only developed in the workplace. Also at home, in volunteer work or in an informal care role. That experience matters! By looking wider, other target groups come into the picture and the pond we fish in suddenly becomes a lot bigger and more interesting.
A good example is 'Strong at Work'. An initiative on campus that focuses on women who are on welfare and have one-parent families. They are struggling financially and bear the responsibility of raising their children. Super complex and difficult to get a job on their own. By participating in the Strong at Work program, these women succeed. They are linked to employers in the region, where they work under the guidance of job coaches, rediscover their talents and motives step by step and often end up in sustainable employment!
Simply start and do it together
The examples mentioned came about from an idea, from cooperation and from committed people who dared to take the first step. Too often good ideas get stuck in plans. Because the dot on the horizon is so big that the first step seems too complicated. The first step is often the most important, but it doesn't have to be perfect. My advice: just start. Open the door. Start the conversation. And above all: get moving. With something small and concrete. Once you move, energy is created and people will gladly move with you if they sense that it matters.
And the great thing is: you don't have to do it alone. Here at the Brainport Human Campus there is so much knowledge, experience and network available. Come along, ask your question and I will gladly connect you with the right people. Whether it's an HR challenge, social innovation or an issue for the future. No matter how big the challenge is, if we tackle it together, it can just be fun!
About Judith Bach
Judith, program manager Brainport Human Campus, is a creative thinker and likes to dedicate herself from the campus to projects and initiatives that make an impact on People, Work & Society. She knows the Brainport region and connects organizations and people in order to turn good ideas into promising projects. Her heart beats faster for collaborations between education, business and government and for social innovations. At the Human Campus she is one of the driving forces behind the Learning Lab Foundation, where students and companies work together on a daily basis. When you think about the future as an organization, you also have to talk to the future.'
Would you like to know more about the Brainport Human Campus?
I would be happy to tell you more, for example during a tour of our beautiful campus! You can reach me at +316-29637903 or send me an email.