Global talent, local support: a new point of contact at Brainport

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Written by Brainport Eindhoven
07 July 2025
SocietyInternational talent

As an employer in the Brainport region, how do you attract international talent? How do you ensure that these new colleagues quickly feel at home, both in the workplace and in the region? And how do you keep track of all the tools, portals and programmes available for internationalisation? From the beginning of September, employers can contact Noortje Verwiel, project leader within Brainport Development's International Talent Programme, with questions like these.

Noortje joined the International Talent team in June 2025. She previously worked at various tech start-ups in the Netherlands and abroad, where she helped companies grow by structuring HR and related business processes. “What do I like best? Identifying issues and contributing ideas for concrete solutions. Getting things off the ground and making sure they really work. This role combines all of that. It allows me to help people move forward and add value to the region.”

Accessible moment for employers

The digital walk-in hour, called “Global talent check-in”, is an accessible moment when employers from the region can come with their questions about attracting and retaining international talent. No physical desk, no registration or RSVP in advance, just a fixed time when you can “drop in” digitally with your question. “Whether it's about reaching the international target group, using our international job portal or helping a new colleague get started in the region, I'm happy to help. Sometimes it's just nice to bounce ideas off someone who knows where to go.”

The idea is that employers can call in twice a month via a Teams meeting. “We'll just start and see what works best. Short one-on-one conversations or joint sessions where you can also meet other entrepreneurs who are facing the same issues. The most important thing is that it's accessible.”

Retaining internationals: how do you do that?

Attracting international talent is one thing, but retaining them is just as important. And that's where employers can do more than they often think, according to Noortje. “Internationals often say that they find it difficult to make contacts outside of work. They lack a social network, and that can make the difference between staying or leaving. What really determines whether you want to stay here? It's not primarily about work, but about all the peripheral things that make you feel at home in a place. And employers can help with that.” They don't have to do it alone. “I can link them to existing initiatives or give them tips for small things that make a difference.”

Social involvement

That involvement also stems from her personal experience. Noortje volunteers at Kletsmaatjes, an organisation that linked her to a Turkish woman who is learning Dutch. “It also helps me to better understand the issues that internationals encounter in their daily lives in the Netherlands. I incorporate those insights into my work here.” According to Noortje, the threshold for the new point of contact must be as low as possible, so that employers can easily approach her. “Ultimately, many employers just want to be able to talk to someone. At Brainport Development, we have extensive experience and expertise in attracting and retaining international talent. The activities and strategy we develop for this purpose are based on input from employers. We listen to their needs and their stories, which enables us to provide targeted support and referrals. I hope that this will make it just that little bit easier to work with international talent.”

The digital consultation hours will start in September. Curious and looking for more information? Noortje will be happy to provide you with more information. Send an email to n.verwiel@brainportdevelopment.nl.