Andreas Ladner, who I know from a previous joint activity, works as a coach/consultant at Kiebitz. Kiebitz? What is that? I arrange an appointment with him and meet him for an interview.

Andreas, what is lapwing?

Kiebitz is an association that works in the field of work integration. Clients include the Regional Employment Agency (RAV), the Disability Insurance (IV) or social welfare. Kiebitz supports and accompanies people during a career change. Reintegration into the primary labor market is one of the goals. The consultation varies between 3 and 6 months. In a few cases it lasts 9 months. This can affect people who are assigned by the IV or social welfare.

However, you can also take advantage of our coaching as a private individual. The focus is also on career planning. However, as a private individual you have to cover the costs yourself.

What kind of people come to you?

There are people between 16 and 65 who have lost their jobs due to illness or job cuts in the company or many other reasons. But there are also people who have no basic training and who simply lived from job to job. The jobs of the unskilled are usually the first to be eliminated.

However, Kiebitz is not a placement agency for apprenticeships. The educational offerings in our own and external companies serve to restore employability.

How many older job seekers do you support?

650 people benefited from the coaching and consulting services in 2018. About 10 people per year are aged 60 and over.

What do you do as a coach? Do you teach?

No, I don't give lessons. I only give individual advice and help the people who come to me so that they can find their own way. I support them on the way to a new professional solution. I have to listen carefully, get to the bottom of things, ask basic questions and discuss things with them. The clients should be able to strengthen their application skills and take responsibility for their own process. Questions like: What do I like to do and what don't I like to do (anymore)? What skills do I have?

On average, my consultations involve 50% women and 50% men.

What is your success rate?

How do you measure success? Being clearer on your way is already a success! Especially in the case of long-term unemployment, it is important to question skills, thought patterns and behavior. If someone has been ill for a long time, it must be clarified what is still possible.

The aim is reintegration into the primary labour market – provided that the health condition allows it.

By the way: The unemployment insurance fund requires that around 45-50% of the people who have completed a program at Kiebitz find a job again afterwards.

What do you think about seniors@work?

I have already recommended the website to two of my clients who are 60+. I am pleased that seniors@work has exciting companies that are willing to employ "older" people, even senior citizens. The latter bring with them a lot of life and professional experience. I cannot understand why companies only want to employ young people.

Do you know – says Andreas Ladner – sometimes companies need coaching!

If that isn't a great closing statement! Thank you Andres for this interview and good luck with your work!

www.kiebitz.ch