See all activities and which community partners Schiphol is working with.
Around 75 young people following an MBO (vocational) programme are taking part in this 10‑week initiative. During the programme, they visit several companies where they can see and hear what kinds of jobs exist and what opportunities are out there. Schiphol employees who completed an MBO education themselves share their own stories about their choices, career paths and the work they now do at the airport.
This programme is organised by Metropool Amsterdam Club, part of Amsterdam & Partners, and includes around one hundred companies and institutions.
The LifeSkills Foundation offers children and young people from Amsterdam Zuidoost homework support as well as workplace visits to companies and organisations. This afternoon, they will visit Schiphol to learn more about the many different roles and activities at the airport. They will also receive a guided tour from Schiphol colleagues.
This collaboration was partly initiated through the New Amsterdam Alliance (NAV) – an ally of both Schiphol and LifeSkills. Within the NAV, companies, philanthropic Amsterdam residents, funds and social initiatives work together to create social impact for the people of Amsterdam. Members of the Alliance will also join this afternoon to take part in the visit.
ORAM is the largest business association (500+ members) in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. Schiphol became a member earlier this year and has already taken part in several activities. As part of strengthening the connection between Schiphol and Amsterdam, ORAM is visiting to officially formalise the membership.
Pieter van Oord, President and CEO of Royal Schiphol Group, will sign the membership together with ORAM’s director, Kees Noorman.
What do the people of Amsterdam think about Schiphol? We’re heading to the market at Anton de Komplein in Amsterdam Zuidoost to have such conversations. We made similar visits last summer, because we believe it’s important to engage with our surroundings and truly understand what’s happening in the community.
This coming summer, we’ll be present at more markets across Amsterdam, as well as in Haarlemmermeer and other municipalities in the region.
JINC is a national organisation that helps children with limited networks and few role models to broaden their horizons. They do this through a wide range of activities, such as taster internships, going for walks at places like Schiphol Plaza (where children learn new vocabulary in context), and interview training sessions. Through this new collaboration, Schiphol will show children the many opportunities the airport has to offer over the coming year.
Patricia Vitalis, COO and responsible for Operations, first became acquainted with JINC when she participated in De Baas van Morgen (Tomorrow’s Boss) – a day on which students shadow a director or senior manager. Schiphol is taking part again this year, as is Eindhoven Airport.
Travellers, Schiphol employees and those working in the terminal are being handed out Eberhardjes. Eberhardjes are the heart-shaped butter biscuits from Amsterdam bearing the message ‘Take good care of our city and of one another’. A limited-edition pack of biscuits was launched in early April.
The occasion is the 100th anniversary of the connection between the city of Amsterdam and the airport. On 1 April 1926, the municipality of Amsterdam took over the airport from the Ministry of War. That bond continues to this day.
Schiphol is also handing out packets of Eberhardjes during events throughout April and using them as corporate gifts. The packaging features a message that captures the essence of what an airport is: a place of connection.