Some unemployed individuals may struggle to match their vocational skills with the current labour demand in a traditional classroom. Exploring alternative workplace approaches may be necessary. A Dutch multinational's vocational employment programme offers an alternative to traditional work-first support for vulnerable unemployed individuals, diverging from forced approaches tied to benefit receipt. This study examines the programme's long-term impact compared to work-first support by analysing post-programme job matches through observed-to-expected wage ratios while controlling for job tenure and contract types. Participants outperformed a work-first control group in improved job alignment up to 10 years. The long-term benefits on career development were particularly pronounced for those with lower education levels, while higher-educated individuals experienced better matches with extended transitions. Results underscore the value of human capital by offering them a temporary workplace in a reputable multinational firm for marginalised job seekers. Expanding such enterprise-led initiatives has the potential to disrupt precarious employment cycles, fostering lasting positive change in vulnerable workers’ careers.
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