We do this because we think the Netherlands is one of those European countries that has a serious shortage of trained workers and a huge demand for their services. Because of the global pandemic, it’s hard for businesses to find qualified people to fill open jobs, and people in the Netherlands are getting older.
If you have highly sought-after skills, the right credentials, and appropriate work experience, you should apply for jobs in the Netherlands where there is a skills shortage, and make the Netherlands your permanent home. You might be able to apply for Dutch citizenship after living in the country for a few years.
Employment Opportunities in the Netherlands
Here is a list of some of the most sought-after jobs in the Netherlands right now, along with some of the jobs where there aren’t enough skilled people.
People without the usual skills will be able to get jobs in the Netherlands by 2024, including those who are willing to get work visas.
This part gives an important summary of the article’s content by explaining how the Dutch job market will work in 2024.
Jobs in the Dutch labour market
About this, it’s good to know that the Netherlands adds more than 300,000 jobs every year (Source: Statista). You can apply at Arbeidsmarktinformatie if you have experience or qualifications in any of these jobs: production workers, industrial technicians, hospitality workers, production planners, truck drivers, shelf stackers, warehouse workers, janitors and housekeepers, and customer service reps. You don’t even need a college degree for most of them.
Positions in the Medical Field
People who work in healthcare are in high demand in the Netherlands right now, and I’m happy to say that the pay is on par with the best in the world. Nursing is one of the most sought-after jobs in the healthcare business, with salaries ranging from €4,000 to €8,000. There aren’t many qualified applicants, though. If I had to pick a place to apply, it would be BovenIJ Ziekenhuis, Alrijne Hosp.
Employment Opportunities for Individuals with a Graduate Degree
Now we can talk about some of the most sought-after jobs in the Netherlands that need people with intermediate levels of schooling, like MBO-2/3/4, HAVO, a diploma, or VWO. Because of this, I’m happy to say that the Netherlands will have a big need for people who know how to paint, do plumbing, work with electricity, sell products, and build buildings. Most of the time, these jobs take a moderate amount of schooling.
Positions for Front Desk Receptionists
Becoming a receptionist might be a good job for someone in the Netherlands who doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree but needs to be good at customer service, public relations, and negotiating. In the Netherlands, receptionists can expect to make about €3,800 a year on average.
Benefits
- Visa Sponsorship: The most important benefit is visa sponsorship, which lets you officially work in the Netherlands. Usually, the company takes care of the application process, which makes starting a job in the country easier.
- Competitive Pay: People who work in warehouses in the Netherlands often get paid well, especially when compared to people who do similar jobs in other countries. This gives people a good standard of life and financial security.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: A lot of companies offer extra benefits like health insurance, paid vacation days, and pension contributions, which can make your total pay package better.
- Work-Life Balance: The Netherlands knows how important it is to have a good mix between work and life. With most warehouse jobs, you’ll have fair hours that let you enjoy life outside of work.
- Cultural Experience: Working in the Netherlands gives you the chance to learn about Dutch culture, customs, and way of life, which can be very beneficial for you.
- High Quality of Life: The Netherlands is known for having a high quality of life, thanks to its great facilities, healthcare, and education. You can get these perks if you live and work there.
- Multinational Work Environment: Many warehouses in the Netherlands are run by foreign companies, which makes the workplace diverse and multicultural. This could be a great chance to work with people from different backgrounds.
- Career Growth: If you start out as a warehouse worker, you can move up in the company and take on more responsibility or work in transportation. In the Netherlands, the work atmosphere often supports professional growth.
- High Quality of Life: Europe is easy to get to because the Netherlands is in the middle of Europe. This means that you can easily visit other European countries during your vacation. In this way, there are chances to explore and travel.
- Language Opportunities: Many Dutch people speak English, but working in the Netherlands can also help you learn or improve your Dutch language skills, which can help your future job.
- Legal and Labor Protections: The Netherlands has strict labor rules that protect workers’ rights by making sure they are treated fairly, have safe places to work, and are bound by their employment contracts.
Requirement
. Work Experience
- Previous Experience: Some companies may want you to have worked in a warehouse or with logistics before. But there may be entry-level jobs open for people who don’t have any experience.
- Skills: It’s helpful to know the basics of how a warehouse works, how to handle inventory, and how to use warehouse equipment like forklifts and pallet jacks.
2. Language Skills
- Basic English Proficiency: Even though Dutch is the official language, many warehouse jobs require at least a basic level of English. This is especially true for jobs in international companies.
- Dutch Language Skills: The ability to speak and write Dutch is helpful for many jobs, but it’s not always required. It can also help you fit in better at work.
3. Physical Fitness
- Physical Stamina: Warehouse jobs often involve manual labor, including lifting, moving, and organizing heavy items. Employers typically require candidates to be physically fit and capable of handling these tasks.
- Health Check: Some employers may require a health check to ensure you are fit for the physical demands of the job.
4. Educational Requirements
- Basic Education: Most jobs require at least a high school diploma. For most storage jobs, you don’t need a college degree.
- Training Certifications: Being certified to drive heavy machines like forklifts may be needed or seen as a big plus.
5. Legal and Documentation Requirements
- Work Visa Eligibility: You must be able to get a work visa in the Netherlands. Your company will do most of the work when it comes to applying for a visa, but you still need to meet the basic requirements, like not having a criminal record.
- Valid Passport: You need a valid passport to get a visa and journey to the Netherlands.
- Residence Permit: If you want to officially live and work in the Netherlands after you arrive, you may need to get a residence permit.
6. Background Check
- Criminal Background Check: A clean criminal record is often required for visa sponsorship and employment.
- Employment History Verification: Some employers may verify your employment history and check references to ensure your suitability for the job.
7. Age Requirements
- Minimum Age: Typically, candidates must be at least 18 years old to work in a warehouse environment.
8. Flexibility and Adaptability
- Shift Work: Many warehouse jobs require flexibility in working hours, including the ability to work night shifts, weekends, or overtime when necessary.
- Adaptability: Employers may look for candidates who can adapt to different tasks and work environments.
9. Teamwork and Communication Skills
- Team Player: Ability to work effectively in a team is crucial in a warehouse setting where coordination with others is often required.
- Communication Skills: Clear communication is important, especially in understanding instructions and ensuring safety in the workplace.
What steps must an international take to secure a job in the Netherlands?
Your boss needs to fill out an application for either a work permit or a single permit, based on why you want to live there. To get a work visa, your company can go to the UWV, which stands for the Dutch Employees Insurance Agency. The company that hires you can apply for both a work permit and a housing permit at the same time.
How to Apply
Conclusion
In 2024, there are a lot of job openings in the Netherlands, especially in areas where there aren’t enough people with the right skills, like healthcare, technical roles, and general positions. With steady job growth and a need for skilled workers, the country is a great place for people from other countries to find fulfilling careers and a good quality of life. You can make the Netherlands your new home and enjoy its strong job market and friendly people by getting a work permit and maybe even becoming a Dutch citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the most sought-after jobs in the Netherlands
Jobs in high demand include nursing, technical fields (like industrial experts and electricians), and general roles like production workers, truck drivers, hospitality workers, and customer service reps.
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Do I need a college degree to get a job in the Netherlands?
You don’t need a college degree to do a lot of jobs, like production workers, truck drivers, and people who work in restaurants. But for specialized jobs in technical and medical areas, you might need the right credentials or certifications.
