Suppose you are 50 years old, you have worked hard all your life and now, due to physical complaints, you can no longer do the work you have always done. What should you do then?

This also happened to Jacco; 53 years old and went to work right after LTS. Jacco spent his entire working life assembling furniture: fantastic work in which he was able to contribute to the growth of the company. But times have changed. The consumer wants large tables, preferably meters long, with a concrete base and a large wooden plank as a tabletop. Just say half a tree trunk. Perhaps impressive, but no longer liftable for Jacco.

Being Jacco, it's of course good to discuss your options with your employer and look at other opportunities with this employer. But it also provides an opportunity to take a look at what else Jacco would like to do, what his heart desires. He himself says: "I like dealing with people, but those tables don't talk back. Furthermore, I like to be on the road, send me off to deliver orders! Now if I get the chance to combine this in one job, AND if it's lighter work too, then I'm a happy man!"

UWV's practice guide for low-skilled workers offers starting points in guiding low-skilled people to work. One of the sectors in which there are plenty of job opportunities is in the transport sector. In Jacco's case, one can think of cab driver, bus driver, touring coach driver or possibly courier/delivery driver. To increase his chances, additional training is recommended. Not back to school, but a short-term and practical training that you can start working on immediately. This did appeal to Jacco!

Even before training has started, Jacco is so excited about his new career that he immediately sets out to introduce himself at various cab companies. Within a week he had his first job interviews and a concrete offer. Now he has to finish his training, but he'll manage.

Jacco's story is one of many. Not only because of physical limitations, but other circumstances can cause you to lose your job later in life. You are still too young to retire early, but you do wonder, "Who will want me anymore?"

UWV has inventoried knowledge about job seekers and available jobs in the labor market and translated it into practical starting points for guiding low-skilled people to other work. Read more about it here .

Would you like to meet with a reintegration consultant? Then contact one of the professionals at Puls at servicedesk@pulsinzetbaarheid.nl or 088 0313880