There are thrift stores in collaboration with Horizon College RataPlan and Noppes started a learning process. Employees can follow an MBO level 2 training to become a service or retail employee and thus get a second chance in life.
A second chance
Mandy and Frieda are two of these employees who are given a second chance. “I can't quite put into words why it's so important to get a piece of paper. But because I started my secondary vocational education, I get confirmation that I can learn.' says Mandy beaming.
Frieda started her secondary school career at the atheneum, but ended up at secondary school in the second year. “I actually had a havo advice, but my mother advised me to do atheneum anyway. That turned out to be a bit too ambitious. I never skipped school at secondary school, but I cut corners. I was in a class with difficult students, but it was always a lot of fun.” Frieda completed her secondary school with two fingers in her nose and decided to go to hotel school. “In my last year I got a call from the school asking me to deregister because there were no internships. My self-confidence has really taken a hit as a result.” Frieda unsubscribed and started job hopping. She went from supermarket to lunchroom. She never managed to hold a job for more than a year. “A friend of mine saw that I was very much looking for something and he offered me a job. It has been my salvation. It's nice to see that people actually have faith in you."
Finally, Frieda ended up with RataPlan and after a period as a sales assistant she became a team leader, but she was not quite able to find her footing in that position. “I took a step back because I noticed that I was running into certain things. I missed tools that I now get during the learning process.” Frieda has certainly not finished learning. “After my level 2 education, I would like to continue my studies so that I can eventually go a step higher. In addition, this study gives me, just like with Mandy, confirmation that I can do it. I always regretted not finishing my studies, but now I can make up for it!”
Setbacks
The ladies are taught by teacher Marja Bootsma. “These adults have often experienced many setbacks and are now given a second chance. They can now finally give the potential they possess a stage.” The learning path is a golden and unique opportunity. “Nobody is too old to start a study. You can always try and if it doesn't work, at least you tried. It really feels like a second chance at life.”
