Community Engagement Event in Germany
27th February, 2024
Germany
On February 27, 2024, an event for the “Include3” project took place at the
University of Applied Labour Studies (HdBA).
27 experts were invited by Prof. Dr. Silvia Keller, Prof. Dr. Yasemin Körtek, and Jenny Schulz.
In their welcome speeches, Prof. Dr. Silvia Keller and Antonia Lesle talked about how important people with disabilities are for the job market, especially when there aren’t enough skilled workers.
Jenny Schulz explained the project goals. These include creating lessons to help people move from sheltered jobs to regular jobs.
She also shared that podcasts, videos, and reports have already been made.
Prof. Dr. Yasemin Körtek shared what she learned about moving from sheltered jobs to regular jobs in Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, and Slovenia.
She interviewed experts in inclusion and job training.
Prof. Dr. Silvia Keller talked about what is needed to train people during the move from sheltered jobs to regular jobs.
She presented guidelines being developed to help train counsellors and job trainers.
Attendees then joined small workshops to give their thoughts on these guidelines.
Their feedback will help improve the project.
Marlene Schleicher shared a personal story about how her son, Kai, found a job in the regular job market.
She spoke about the challenges and what helped him succeed.
Prof. Dr. Silvia Keller ended the event by talking about the next steps in the project.
On 27 February 2024, a specialist event in the EU-funded “Include3” project took place on the premises of the University of Applied Labour Studies (HdBA).
27 experts accepted the invitation from Prof. Dr Silvia Keller, Prof. Dr Yasemin Körtek and Jenny Schulz.
In their welcoming speeches, Prof. Dr. Silvia Keller and Antonia Lesle, Head of Vocational Training at Diakoniewerkstätten Rhein-Neckar, emphasised the particular importance of people with disabilities for the primary labour market in times of a shortage of skilled workers.
Jenny Schulz then informed those present about the project objectives (including the creation of a curriculum to support education and counselling in the transition from sheltered employment to the general labour market) and the work packages in the project. She also gave a brief insight into podcasts >>, explanatory videos >> and reports >> that have already been finalised.
Prof. Dr. Yasemin Körtek talked about the transition from sheltered employment to the general labour market from the perspective of current guidance and education practices in Belgium, Cyprus, Germany and Slovenia. She presented results from several focus group interviews with experts from the fields of inclusion, vocational education and training, companies and experts in their own right.
Prof. Dr. Silvia Keller then explored the question of what is needed in vocational training and counselling during the transition from sheltered employment to the general labour market. She presented guidelines that are being developed in the Include3 project and serve as the basis for the development of a curriculum for the training of counsellors and vocational training staff.
Afterwards, the attendees had the opportunity to share their expertise and views on the main statements of the Include3 guidelines in three workshop groups. This expertise provides the project with valuable feedback for the further development of the guidelines.
Marlene Schleicher from Elterninitiative Rhein-Neckar e.V. then gave a moving account of how her son Kai found a job on the general labour market. She highlighted challenges and favourable factors.
Finally, Prof Dr Silvia Keller bid farewell to those present and gave an outlook on the curriculum and the next steps in the project.
The Include3 team would like to thank all those present for the successful exchange.
