DUO for a JOB is an association that was founded in 2012 and started its activities in Brussels, Belgium in 2013. Subsequently, 2 new legal structures were created: DUO for a JOB France in 2019, an 'association loi 1901', and the 'DUO for a JOB' foundation in the Netherlands in 2021.
To participate in the adventure, you must 👉 Be over 50 years old 👉 be available 2-3 hours a week 👉 Have work experience to share
The mentor is there to help you and give you the tools you need in your job search. The mentor's role is not to find you a job, you have to do it yourself. The mentor therefore expects you to be motivated and give yourself the opportunity to find a job.
DUO for a JOB is an association that creates connections between generations and cultures. We connect young people with a migrant background who are looking for work with people over 50. As a volunteer mentor, people over 50 support the young person in his or her search for work. Through this intergenerational guidance, DUO for a JOB wants to contribute to equal opportunities in the labor market. 🔎 To find out more, click here
Each mentee is different, so their needs and expectations aren't always the same either. Generally, the mentee does not have the necessary tools to succeed in the job search. You help the mentee make a plan for the future. Some mentees already know very well what kind of work they want to do. For example, you can help with the search for the right company, with the resume and cover letter and with applying. Other mentees still don't know what kind of work they want or can do. In that case, you will figure this out together. It is also possible that you will be guided in making a choice of study.
Don't worry, it's okay if you haven't found a job within 6 months! 1 out of 3 mentees participating in the program will find a job within 6 months and 7 out of 10 mentees will find a job within 12 months. And mentees who have not found jobs also experience many other benefits from the program. This way, they know the Dutch labor market better, are more confident and know better how to apply. In addition, it is good to know that a large majority of the duo remains in touch after 6 months in a duo. The connection has been made, so many mentors and mentees keep seeing each other. 💡 The goal is for you to become independent in your job search and to get a better idea of your professional needs and skills.
If you feel like you no longer need help from your mentor after finding a job, we can always stop the program earlier in consultation. However, it can be very nice to still have contact with your mentor during the first period in a new job.
With the support of a mentor, you really increase your chances on the labor market. 7 out of 10 young people find a job, internship or training thanks to the guidance of their mentor!
Since the DUO for a Job mentoring program is completely free for our participants, the support of financial partners is a prerequisite for our existence, development and the sustainability of our activities. Donating to DUO for a JOB means supporting the socio-professional integration of young people with a migration background while appreciating our people over 50. It ensures that our teams and volunteers can take action every day for an inclusive society. Check out this page for more information about donating!
If a conflict occurs during your mentoring period or if you feel uncomfortable in your duo, don't hesitate to contact your coordinator. We will then try to find a solution so that everything goes as smoothly as possible for both of you. If it turns out that you really can't go on together, we'll put an end to your duo and put you in touch with another mentee.
There are many reasons to become a volunteer mentor at DUO for a JOB: 👉 Sharing and transferring your professional experience to the next generation 👉 Developing new skills 👉 Stepping out of your bubble and make a positive contribution to society 👉 Joining an active network of mentors
At the moment, we are only active in Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Our office is located in the Groot Handelsgebouw, directly to Rotterdam Central Station. Here we have a large and nice space where our duos can meet up with each other. Duos are also free to meet at other locations (or online).
Our volunteer mentors are not paid. As a mentor, you do receive a free 4-day training led by professionals.
Our mentoring program isn't just for newcomers. It is intended for young people with a migration background of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation. This means: young people who themselves were born outside the European Union, but also young people whose parents or grandparents were born outside the European Union. Why? The fact that you have a migration background causes more difficulties in the labor market. That has been statistically proven. With our program, we work for equal opportunities for everyone.
Joining our mentoring program is free of charge!
To give as many young people as possible the opportunity to participate in our free individual coaching, everyone can only participate once.
As a company, there are various ways to support DUO for a JOB: by financial sponsoring, providing skills, fundraising, or by providing visibility to our target groups, mentors and mentees. Contact us to discuss future collaboration!
Every level of education is welcome. The most important thing is that you are motivated to find work or an education!
That is not necessary, but it is allowed. In fact, gladly! When your 6 months are over as a duo, we ask you to complete an evaluation informing us of your next availability. 8 out of 10 mentors repeat the experience and start a duo again after their first support.
Are you already part of DUO for a JOB and do you have questions about training? Then it's best to contact your DUO contact person. He or she will help you out!
How nice that you like us! All open vacancies are listed on our jobs page. Is there nothing listed for you? Get in touch with us.
Even if you have a master's degree, you are welcome to join DUO for a JOB! 25% of the young people we support are more educated. When looking for a job, a diploma is no guarantee. Your mentor can help you with many things: getting to know the Dutch labor market better, sharing experiences with you, helping you build a network, etc.
One of the requirements to become a mentor at DUO for a JOB is that you are over 50 years old. It doesn't matter if you're retired or working full-time, as long as you can only spend a few hours a week supporting your mentee.
All open vacancies are listed on our jobs page. Is there nothing listed for you? Get in touch with us.
After participating in an information session, you will meet a DUO for a JOB coordinator. We then want to get to know you a little better and learn more about your background, your expectations and your personality. After this conversation, we will look for the mentor who is best for you! Exactly how long this takes depends on your profile and the mentors that are available. We always arrange a first meeting where you and the mentor get to know each other. After that, if you both decide you want to move on together, you will officially start your duo for a maximum of 6 months.
If you have any questions about your appointment, please contact the coordinators by phone.
There is no obligation and no limit! A mentor always supervises 1 young person at a time. However, it is important to keep in mind that once you have started a duo, you will be supervising this mentee for 6 months. Do you then want to start with the guidance of the next mentee? Please!
There are various ways to support us. For example, you can become a volunteer, donate or join the team.
The sector is one of the criteria we take into account when matching the mentor and the mentee together. But it's not the only one ! We also take into account other factors, such as personality, skills and availability.
Coaching experience is not necessary. The 4-day training that all mentors follow before they start as mentors ensures that you have all the tools you need to properly support young people in their search for a job. As a mentor, you will be supported throughout the program by a personal coordinator from DUO for a JOB. In addition, workshops are offered and you get the opportunity to participate in intervisions with other mentors every 2 months. These intervisions allow you to exchange and share your experiences and get advice from your fellow mentors!
