WoZ celebrates 1 year
Gemeente Rotterdam

How time flies! A year ago we opened the doors of the Werkstation op Zuid (WoZ) – from an old Gamma building to a vibrant social place where people find perspective again and take steps towards work and development!

The Werkstation op Zuid is a place where talent is central. Here, job seekers and employers are connected in an innovative way, with an eye for opportunities, skills and people. To celebrate the 1-year anniversary, we organised no less than 2 events: external and internal.

On Thursday 17 April we celebrated the external event for local employers. The blue carpet was rolled out and chairwoman Josje Van Nes opened the afternoon, after which Marije Lahr, manager of Werkstation op Zuid, introduced the visitors to the working methods of the Werkstation. Alderman Tim Versnel emphasised the power of the Werkstation op Zuid, where people are central, not rules.

Spoken word artist Atta De Tolk brought a powerful moment of reflection and inspiration to both events. With his performance he made us reflect on today's labour market in a special way - and especially on the opportunities that exist for everyone. Then it was time to give the floor to Aad van der Werf MBA, strategic labour market advisor at WSP Rijnmond (WSPR). Seven organisations were also present with their own 'market stall'.

At the internal event on Tuesday 22 April, Ombudsman Marianne van den Anker gave a presentation and the participants got to work during the ‘round table discussions. The WoZ is such a success; we want every Rotterdammer who comes to us to have this service.
The central question is therefore: How can we scale up this experiment? The participants got to work in different groups using a ‘talking sheet’.

After this wonderful afternoon(s) it was time for the closing drinks: the ideal moment to make new connections and of course celebrate the anniversary!