Dutch Recruitment agency YoungCapital, which specialises in the recruitment of young talent,  achieved a record turnover of €203 million in 2016, an increase of 60% compared to the previous year.

"We helped 29% more young people into employment than last year," Ineke Kooistra, CEO of YoungCapital, said. "After years of high unemployment rates amongst this group, we are now seeing a positive trend. There is a huge increase in demand for young talent. Companies appreciate the added value digital natives provide, because they serve as a catalyst for innovation."

According to Kooistra, YoungCapital's record turnover was only possible thanks to a robust policy on internal development, coupled with a start-up mentality.

"Many companies are unwilling to invest in new people when opportunities arise but are not yet paying off,” Kooistra said. “At YoungCapital, we do just that. This is, and will always be, an entrepreneurial company in heart and soul."

The company is aiming for a turnover of €295 million in 2017, a 45% increase compared to 2016. The increase is expected to come from further international growth in Germany, amongst others.

"We have been active online in Germany with our StudentJob International job board. As soon as the opportunity arose, we commenced staffing and sourcing. We now have offices in Cologne and Berlin," Kooistra said. "Our StudentJob International job boards are doing well in Belgium, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Austria and Sweden. We want to expand recruitment operations there too."

YoungCapital has branches in the Netherlands and Germany and is active online in eight European countries under the name StudentJob International. With a database of more than 4.5 million young professionals, YoungCapital boasts the largest online network of talent in Europe.