How a family business from Leuth develops talent and embraces the Internship Pact
Building outdoor spaces and people for over fifty years
Anyone walking around the site at De Overhaag B.V. in Leuth will immediately see that this is more than just a landscaping company. For over fifty years, this family-run business has been creating outdoor spaces for healthcare institutions, educational establishments and businesses. But just as importantly: here, they are building people.
Director Ivo Hermsen took over the company from his father and today is at the helm of a close-knit team of some 25 to 35 employees. Together, they work on complete outdoor spaces: from planting and lighting to drainage and furniture. Increasingly with an eye on sustainability and climate adaptation.
"For us, it's not just about how something looks now," says Ivo. "We want an outdoor space to still work in ten or twenty years' time. For nature as well as for the people who use it every day."
At De Overhaag, it is not only about doing good work, but also about taking good care of the people who do the work, especially for young talent at the beginning of their careers.
Ivo Hermsen, owner De Overhaag B.V.
Attracting young talent starts with sincere attention
Whilst many companies are looking for ways to reach young people, De Overhaag has opted for a very practical approach: simply getting on with it. The company works closely with Yuverta and also collaborates on an ad hoc basis with regional vocational training institutions, such as Pro College. De Overhaag is also involved at a governance level with educational institutions.
Employees also put time and energy into education themselves. Project leaders are examiners, provide practical lessons and give targeted training, such as chainsaw courses. In addition, The Overhaag is visible at job fairs and events. A special eye-catcher is the promotional trailer, equipped with VR glasses and simulations. This allows young people to experience what it is like to work in green spaces.
"You can tell how beautiful the profession is," says Ivo, "but it is only when young people experience it that it really comes to life."
Regionally, De Overhaag also looks beyond its own company. Together with other entrepreneurs, they are building a network of more than two hundred training companies and are committed to improving the transition from vmbo to mbo. Because everyone ultimately benefits.
Sometimes one story says it all
That investing in young people works is evident from the stories within the company. For instance, a student once started with a taster internship from secondary school. He discovered his interest in engineering, was guided towards an intermediate vocational course and grew to become a machinist.
"He still works here," Ivo says. "And he is completely in his place. That's exactly why we put so much energy into this."
Pathways like this show what is possible when young people are seen and given the space to develop.
Trainees just belong here
At De Overhaag, trainees are not helpers or followers. They participate fully, are given responsibility and go through the same process as permanent employees. And yes: that includes fair remuneration.
"They work, they learn and they contribute," says Ivo. "Then it makes perfect sense to me that you pay them too, regardless of their level of education."
This clear choice ensures motivated trainees and contributes to equal opportunities. Internship discrimination thus simply gets no room.
The Internship Pact fits with who we already are
The Lifeport Regional Internship Pact is committed to four clear goals: good supervision, sufficient internship placements, equal opportunities and fair compensation for interns.
For De Overhaag, this does not feel like anything new. "This is actually a piece of cake for us," says Ivo. "This is how we have been working for years."
On 13 April, he attended the official launch and signing of the Internship Pact. Not because it has to, but because it suits the way De Overhaag has been treating people for a long time. In doing so, the company shows that being a good employer does not have to be complicated.
Building the future of the region together
The story of De Overhaag shows that investing in young people is not an obligation, but an opportunity. By cooperating with education, taking trainees seriously and thinking ahead, you build a strong organisation and a strong region.
Its message to other companies is therefore clear: get involved. "Because if you give young people real opportunities, you will get commitment, craftsmanship and a future in return."
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The Lifeport Regional Internship Pact
The Regional Internship Pact is an initiative of the Human Capital Agreement and arose from collaboration between educational institutions, organisations and, to date, 32 employers in the Arnhem–Nijmegen region. Together, they tackle structural bottlenecks relating to internships. By joining forces, the partners ensure that responsibility does not fall solely on educational institutions or students. The pact is committed to providing sufficient and suitable work placement opportunities, effective supervision, fair remuneration and equal opportunities for every student, without discrimination in work placements.
