When you start working in the Netherlands, you often begin with a temporary contract. This makes sense: your employer wants to see how you work first, and you might also want to get used to your new environment. But how do you progress to permanent employment? What are the rules, how do contract phases work, and what can you do yourself to grow?
In this blog, we’ll explain it all clearly for you.
Why You Usually Start with a Temporary Contract
When you start working in production through a staffing agency, you often begin with a temporary contract. This means you have flexibility, but also that you’re not yet directly employed by the production company itself.
These types of contracts are meant for getting acquainted: with your tasks, the team, and the company. If things go well and you show that you’re reliable, there are often opportunities to grow.
The Three Phases of the Temporary Contract
In the Netherlands, there are clear rules for building up a contract through a staffing agency. These rules are divided into three phases:
Phase A (the first 52 worked weeks)
In this phase, you work on an on-call basis. You don’t have fixed hours yet, but you can gain experience. The more you work, the faster you progress to the next phase.
Phase B (temporary contracts, maximum 3 years)
You now get temporary contracts with agreed hours. This provides more security and you build up more rights, such as pension accrual and vacation days.
Phase C (permanent contract)
If you’ve gained enough experience and the company is satisfied, you can get a permanent contract. This offers maximum security: fixed hours, continued pay during illness, and prospects for growth within the company.
At Charlie works, we guide you step by step through these phases, always transparently, so you know where you stand.
What Can You Do Yourself to Grow Faster?
Moving from a temporary to a permanent contract doesn’t happen automatically. It’s important to show that you are:
- Reliable: arriving on time, keeping your commitments;
- Delivering quality: working accurately, preventing mistakes;
- Thinking along and learning: open to feedback and taking on new tasks;
- Collaborating well: with colleagues, team leaders, and your contact person.
If you show that you’re committed? Then there’s a good chance the company will want to keep you and make room for a permanent position.
Charlie works Thinks along with You
At Charlie works, we guide you not only to your first day of work but also towards your future. Together, we look at your performance, work experience, and ambitions. This way, we know when it’s time to talk about extension, new opportunities, or even a contract with the production company itself.
Your contact person keeps track of this process with you. And if there are questions about your contract, rights, or growth opportunities? Then we’ll explain everything calmly, in your own language if necessary.
From Temporary Contract to Permanent Contract: It’s Possible
Many colleagues who started with temporary work through Charlie works now have a permanent contract. This is not an exception; it’s the result of commitment, clarity, and good collaboration. And it starts with an honest beginning.
Do you also want to grow towards a permanent job? Start today with a temporary position in production and work step by step towards a permanent contract.
Check our vacancies or contact us, we’re happy to think along with you.
