Horizon for the South – Quality Employment in the Industrial Sector
Zurim Creating Reality Foundation
Field: Welfare, employment and community
Requested sum: $238,068
56% of total budget
Location: Kiryat Gat, Shafir, Lachish
// About the Organization
Zurim Association was founded by industrialist and entrepreneur Stef Wertheimer. The association focuses on leading and developing professional and technological training programs, fostering individual skills and competencies and opening pathways to diverse career opportunities in industry, with an emphasis on technological expertise as a route to high-quality employment.
// Project Description
The “Ofek Darom” program creates a direct connection between target populations (unemployed, discharged soldiers, new immigrants, women and ultra-Orthodox) who need quality employment opportunities and the needs of the regional industry.
The project is based on a mapping process that locates the populations in need of employment alongside employers and their professional requirements.
Ofek Darom develops and delivers short-term, targeted training programs in collaboration with local factories, training institutions and municipal authorities.
Throughout the year, between 4 to 6 professional training courses will be conducted in high-demand employment fields such as CNC, maintenance, advanced manufacturing and quality control. In addition, each training program includes soft skills development and personal guidance, leading to direct job placement within factories in the region.
The model emphasizes small group learning, precise alignment with employer needs and continued personal support even after job placement. The training programs will cater to both new industrial recruits and existing employees.
For those already employed, the programs are designed to help improve working conditions and advance professionally, including specialized tracks such as management and mentorship training.
// Project Goals
The purpose of the project is to ensure high quality and sustainable employment in the industrial sector for residents of Kiryat Gat, Shafir and Lachish. The project uses vocational training programs developed according to specific needs of employers from the industry combined with personal guidance and direct job placement.
// Target Population
Residents of Kiryat Gat, Shafir and Lakhish, with a particular focus on: job seekers and individuals seeking professional retraining, unskilled workers, discharged soldiers, women, new immigrants and members of the Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community (where applicable).
// Outcomes
In the short-term, expected outcomes include launching between four - six training programs, equipping participants with relevant skills and building stronger ties with employers.
Long term outcomes include sustainable employment integration, creating a scalable regional training model, strengthening the local economy and reducing employment gaps.
// Project Timeline
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Months 1-3: Launching the initial professional training cycles.
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Months 4-9: Continued operation of training cycles, ongoing mentoring and establishing community relations.
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Months 10-12: Job placement, post-integration support, measurement and model optimization.
// Budget Sustainability
Sustainability for this program will be ensured through diversified funding sources including government programs, Y.S. Gat Economic Development Company, local authorities, employer participation and philanthropic foundations. An efficient and proven training model will enable continuity and expansion of the program.
Partial funding will reduce the number of training cycles, limit participant capacity and have an impact on the organization’s ability to provide full support and high-quality job placement.
// Project establishment status
Zurim Association has initiated a mapping process to identify key employers, in-demand employment opportunities, training organizations and target populations. Furthermore, the association has already launched its first professional training program in the field of electronics.