Introduction
Training young talent for the hospitality industry on the Wadden Islands by connecting learning, living and working.
Target
The project was launched because tourists rate the Wadden Islands lower due to a shortage of well-trained hospitality staff. This problem has been exacerbated by the corona pandemic and an ageing population. Hospitality entrepreneurs struggle to find staff, which puts pressure on the quality of hospitality and tourist experience.
Hospitable at home on the Wadden Islands aims to reverse this trend by training young people and future hospitality workers in a unique combination of learning, living and working. The project offers a quality boost for the entire hospitality sector on the islands. Through training and guidance, participants gain not only professional knowledge, but also social skills and self-reliance.
The importance for the sector is great: more qualified staff means better service, higher tourist satisfaction and a more attractive image of the hospitality industry. In addition, the project contributes to retaining a young workforce on the islands and strengthens social cohesion.
Target
Young talent and future hospitality workers (16-35 years) from all over the Netherlands who want to contribute to a strong hospitality sector and a future-proof island community.
Result
The project delivers a recognised training programme combining theory and practice. Participants take classes through regional ROCs and work at hospitality companies on the islands. They receive job guarantees, housing and guidance from coaches.
It also develops teaching programmes and materials that will be made available to the whole sector as a white label. The project organises open days, excursions and workshops on island gastronomy and sustainability. 120 participants are trained annually, with a 95% success rate. At least 70% remain working on the islands, ensuring more skilled staff and higher tourist satisfaction.
The model is scalable and can be extended to other Wadden Islands. This will create an inspiring example for sustainable hospitality training in the Netherlands.
Duration
1 January 2026 - 31 August 2027