'Companies know that they have to be at JAMwerkt for young talent'

Martijn, Ruud, and Miranda were 15, 18, and 19 years old when they founded JAMwerkt. At the time, Ruud studied International Business at Tilburg University, Miranda followed the university of applied sciences variant of the study program, and Martijn studied at a senior secondary vocational education (MBO) and later part-time university of applied sciences in Management Economics and Law. All three have now graduated. It came as no surprise that they wanted to become entrepreneurs. Ruud: "My father took over the family business in supplies for professional livestock farming from my grandfather, together with his brothers. Entrepreneurship runs in the family. What's more, I love the speed of entrepreneurship and the fact that we can decide for ourselves with the team where we want to go.”

Expansion 

JAMwerkt offers side jobs, holiday work, part-time or full-time work, and starter positions in their own region to young people, students, and starters. They distinguish theirselves from national temporary employment agencies. JAMwerkt assists young people in making career choices. JAMwerkt also offers SMEs a large online database—the Talentenbank—with enthusiastic, available candidates from the region. "We take care of the entire recruitment process and relieve our clients of their worries," adds Ruud. Over the years, the focus has broadened from just side jobs to all jobs up to and including starter positions. "The reason for this is that many students find it difficult to make the right choice in their education and therefore follow a broad, general study program. They then have to make a choice after graduation. By gaining experience at companies in the region, they can discover what is right for them. We guide them in this process. Since more than 1100 companies are now affiliated, we can also help them in their search for a suitable starter position through our network." 

Focus 

Another way in which JAMwerkt distinguishes itself is in the online platform. This is what the employment agency sector is all about: not (only) the vacancies but also the potential employees can be found and matched. On the platform, young people fill out their profiles, look at the various assignments and vacancies, fill out work sheets, and see what they have earned at any time of the day. On the platform, companies see which candidates are available and post assignments and vacancies. They also see the status of the recruitment process at a glance. "This status is kept up to date by the recruiters, who also speak to all candidates in person. This enables us to guarantee the quality of the candidates on the platform."

The platform did not exist immediately. "We started with a simple website that did not work properly. Then we put a lot of energy into version 2.0. And with success, because this version was used by our customers. A new version of the platform is still being launched every week, based on the continuous feedback we receive from clients, candidates, and colleagues."

Critical eye 

In recent years, the three of them were assisted by the Business Developer from the Tilburg University startup program. "The network is useful when, for example, you need legal advice on general terms and conditions or help with publicity. Above all, they held up a mirror to us, a critical eye to keep our impulsiveness in check. For example, after three years we had the idea of franchising JAMwerkt. After discussions with a mentor through Tilburg University, we came to the conclusion that it would be better for us to expand into new regions ourselves. Our platform, our HR, and our legal arrangements were not ready for a franchise concept. ”

Core values 

"As your company grows, you face new challenges," continues Ruud. "We noticed that the communication flows are becoming more and more complicated and that it was not entirely clear to our colleagues exactly where we wanted to go and what their roles are.” That is why, two years ago, JAMwerkt started working with another mentor to define the company's core values and vision for the future. "Take, for example, the desire to grow, which must also be present among our employees. Our core values are now on the wall; entrepreneurial mentality, down-to-earth with a local accent, growing together, and 'We are the target group'. With all the new colleagues we hire, we first check whether they fit in with our core values and therefore with our corporate culture."

Growing up 

Over the years, the trio have learned a lot, sometimes by trial and error. "It is good to talk to the Business Developer of Tilburg University, a mentor, or other entrepreneurs. We also involve our team when making decisions. And we talk to our father. He is always a few steps ahead of us.” JAMwerkt has grown along with the demand. "We started with one region and are now active in sixteen. The number of young people involved has also grown strongly; in the meantime, 3631 young people have joined us and 388 starters. It is our intention to continue to grow until we are active throughout the Netherlands. We will do that step by step, so always per region. Because in the regions where we work, the coverage must be good. ” 

Starting young 

Didn't they start a little young? "I advise others to start young and not to wait too long before launching your product or service on the market. In the first three years, you do not earn a lot. If you start during your studies, it makes little difference. You still get a student grant and don't need so much. Additionally, people will forgive you more quickly for making a mistake because you are still young. The other side of the story is that you have to work hard alongside your studies. ”

JAMwerkt