Making a big impact for employers and employees with a small team at FCB

Although their roles are different, they work together every day towards the same goal: supporting employers and employees in a sector that is constantly evolving.

"Above all, we want companies and employees to genuinely feel that FCB is there for them," says Chantal. "We continuously look at the issues and challenges facing companies, not only today but also with an eye on the future."

From a training fund to broader support

For Hélène Hahn-van ’t Hoff, the story began more than 26 years ago. In November 1999, she joined Lejeune Association Management and became responsible for, among other things, the predecessor of FCB. "At that time, the focus was mainly on training grants," she explains. "There was a training catalogue from which companies could apply for funding. That was essentially the core of the work."

Over the years, she witnessed the sector evolve, and the fund evolved alongside it. While the focus had once been almost entirely on training, new areas of support gradually emerged.

"There was a growing need for broader assistance. Companies were facing new challenges relating to sustainable employability, health, leadership and employee development. As a result, the fund continued to expand its activities."

Today, her role has grown significantly. In addition to managing and processing all grant applications within FCB, she is also responsible for the FCB contribution scheme, including collecting and processing companies' payroll data.

She is also involved in board meetings, communications with companies and the practical implementation of activities. Through her many years of involvement, she has developed an in-depth understanding of both the sector and the companies operating within it. Hélène's knowledge of the industry is further strengthened by her role within Kartoflex.

"Companies often know exactly where to find us when they have questions," says Hélène. "That direct contact and being able to help people are still among the most rewarding aspects of my job."

A modern fund

Chantal Nijhuis has also been involved with FCB for almost ten years. She joined in 2016 during the implementation of the Sector Plan, a subsidy programme initiated by the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.

"It was a period when many sectors were struggling with labour market challenges. The cartonboard and flexible packaging sector was no exception. The Sector Plan created opportunities to support companies in addressing those challenges."

For Chantal, it was an exciting time to become involved.

"What particularly appealed to me was that FCB was undergoing a transformation. It was evolving from a traditional training fund into a modern development fund. The focus shifted beyond training alone towards labour market development, sustainable employability and organisational development."

Within FCB, she is responsible for policy preparation, project coordination, communications and supporting the board.

"Ultimately, it is not about producing lengthy policy documents. It is about ensuring that employers and employees genuinely benefit from what you do."

What does FCB actually do?

Although many companies are familiar with the name FCB, not everyone fully understands its role. FCB is a foundation governed by the social partners within the sector. On the employers' side, this is Koninklijke Kartoflex, while employees are represented by FNV and CNV. Unlike a trade association, FCB does not have members.

"We are here for all companies covered by the collective labour agreement for the cartonboard and flexible packaging sector," Chantal explains. "These companies contribute collectively to the fund, and we aim to return as much support as possible to the sector through those resources."

This support is delivered through three programme areas. The first focuses on skills and training, the second on health and safety, and the third on career development and leadership.

"These three themes form the common thread running through everything we do," says Chantal. "We continuously look at how we can support employers and employees in these areas."

Taking the burden off companies

According to Chantal, FCB's strength lies in its practical approach.

"FCB strives to make its services as accessible as possible for both smaller and larger companies. Through training courses, workshops, webinars, scans, coaching programmes and grant schemes, the fund provides practical support to employers and employees. We always think from a practical perspective: how can we organise something in a way that makes it easy for companies to use?"

Hélène sees every day how important this is.

"Many HR professionals already have very full schedules. If they receive a quick answer or immediate assistance with an application, they really appreciate it."

Personal contact plays a crucial role.

"When someone calls, we try to think along with them straight away. Sometimes we can resolve an issue over the phone. Sometimes we arrange a Teams meeting. The most important thing is helping people move forward."

Hundreds of grant applications

A significant part of Hélène's work involves processing grant applications.

"There are hundreds every year, all of which are ultimately approved by the board. Sometimes it is for a single employee attending a training course, while in other cases a company submits applications for dozens of employees."

FCB also manages various schemes and projects, each with its own conditions.

"That keeps the work varied. At the same time, it requires accuracy because regulations change, and you need to ensure everything is processed correctly."

The contact with companies remains particularly rewarding.

"You are genuinely helping people move forward. Sometimes by making training financially possible through a grant, and sometimes simply by explaining the options available. It is very satisfying when you see that companies truly benefit from it."

More training than ever before

One development that both Hélène and Chantal are particularly proud of is the growth in training participation across the sector.

In recent years, the training reimbursement has gradually increased to 100 per cent for both 2025 and 2026.

"That has had a real impact," says Hélène. "The financial barrier for companies has virtually disappeared." The level of support is reviewed and determined annually.

According to Chantal, the results are clearly visible.

"Where previously around one-third of companies made use of training support, we are now reaching approximately half of all companies in the sector. That is a figure we can genuinely be proud of."

The changing labour market also plays a role.

"Our sector includes specialist roles for which there is often no standard vocational qualification," Chantal explains. "Many skills are learned on the job. That is why training and development remain so important."

Webinars have also contributed to greater reach.

"Through webinars, we can quickly inform companies about new schemes and developments," says Hélène. "People often discover opportunities they did not even realise existed."

A small team with significant responsibility

What distinguishes FCB from many other training and development funds is its compact organisation.

"Many funds have a director, policy officers, communications teams and project managers," says Chantal. "In our case, it is essentially the board, Hélène and me."

This creates short lines of communication and a high degree of responsibility.

"We are given a great deal of freedom to contribute ideas and help shape initiatives," says Hélène. "The board stays close to the realities of the sector and actively involves us in decision-making. Our collaboration is also very important. I focus more on implementation, while Chantal concentrates more on strategy and policy."

Chantal agrees.

"It works very well. If I am preparing a newsletter or brochure, Hélène reviews it. Likewise, we regularly discuss issues affecting companies. Our roles complement one another and make each other stronger."

New challenges for the sector

"Alongside training, many other themes are becoming increasingly important," says Chantal. "Leadership, social safety, absenteeism and financial wellbeing are all receiving more attention."

In particular, she sees organisational culture as a key area of focus.

"The quality of leadership and the atmosphere within teams have a tremendous influence on how employees perform. They often determine whether people continue to develop and enjoy coming to work."

According to Hélène, companies are increasingly aware of this.

"There is growing attention to employee wellbeing. Employers recognise that healthy, motivated people perform better. That is why FCB seeks to support employers through practical tools and programmes that help address these issues."

Learning from other sectors

FCB is affiliated with a national platform of training and development funds, where around 35 sectors collaborate. Chantal represents FCB within this network.

"It generates an enormous amount of knowledge," she explains. "Every sector has its own challenges, but there are also many similarities. By sharing experiences, we can learn from one another and avoid reinventing the wheel."

Within the platform, members exchange knowledge and experience on themes such as labour market development, sustainable employability and lifelong learning. The platform also regularly acts as a discussion partner for government bodies in the development and evaluation of policy.

"For FCB, being part of such a network is extremely valuable. It helps us gain new insights and translate them into practical support for employers and employees in our own sector."

Attracting young people for the future

One of the key challenges for the coming years is an ageing workforce.

"We need young and enthusiastic people," says Hélène. "This is a challenge facing many companies in the sector."

FCB is currently working with partners to explore how the industry can become more attractive to new employees.

"It starts with understanding," says Chantal. "We first want to gain a clear picture of what potential target groups consider important and where opportunities lie."

Communication is part of the solution, but not the whole answer.

"You can tell people that your sector is attractive, but they also need to experience that when they join. That is why we look beyond promotion alone."

Personal contact remains central

For Hélène, personal contact continues to be her greatest motivation.

"I enjoy helping people and guiding them through the available opportunities, whether it is a grant application, supporting a new HR professional or answering questions about a scheme."

At the same time, FCB's success brings new challenges.

"As the number of applications continues to grow, the workload increases as well. It is a good problem to have, but it certainly keeps us busy."

For Chantal, the greatest satisfaction comes from the shared sense of responsibility.

"We are a very small team responsible for something that genuinely impacts employers and employees. That is what makes the work so meaningful."

For more information about FCB, visit: FCB Verpakkingen.

Text: Ria Luitjes
Photo credits: Chantal Nijhuis & Lejeune Association Management