Trojan horses in ecosystems of appreciation
Scaling new approaches to learn-work transitions for youth with special support needs
A rise in the number of YSSN in most EU countries, including NL and BE is reflected in growing awareness and efforts to improve job market access. However, policy efforts in the past 15 years have not closed the disability employment gap. YSSN often find the transition from school and care to work and society hard to handle. The transition is a challenging phase for all young adults. Complex regulations, changing responsibilities in combination with adulthood, create uncertainties. Fragmentation in health and social care services makes addressing and offering support difficult. A paradigm change of attitudes and values is required to support the transition of schools to work.
Two innovative care-work-learn labour market activation approaches with practice-based learning models for YSSN will be scaled up using an action research method engaging professionals from associated partners. In these so-called transition arenas they train, practice and explore new approaches to facilitating young adults' development of their strengths and engagement on regular work floors in SMEs. The transition arenas will seek to develop collective competence through service integration, with a high degree of interlinked activities between professionals and organisational units also including service recipients and family caregivers as legitimate extra-professional parts of the collaborative network.
Objective
170 YSSN actively engaged in work environments. 35 professionals in care and education organizations explore the integration of care-work-learn transitions for YSSN. Welfare organizations actively explore "Simple Switching" as a condition for a healthy care-work-learn ecosystem. Inclusive professional education synthesizes the innovative practices into replicable learning models for creating ecosystems of appreciation for YSSN, with a synthesis document including case studies, tools, and method descriptions.
At least 20 regional SMEs have adopted inclusive practices, such as job carving.
Results
The project aims to foster an inclusive society where young people with specific support needs (YSSN) can thrive in regular jobs or educational programs. Through initiatives like job carving and inclusive work environments, YSSN actively contribute to their communities. The project engages 170 YSSN, of whom 30 will secure permanent work placements, and 20 will earn certificates. Local SMEs and professionals will adopt inclusive practices, while the city of Apeldoorn will develop a roadmap for a sustainable care-work-learn ecosystem. Publications and a handbook will disseminate these practices for broader implementation by 2026.
Duration
01 January 2025 - 21 December 2026
Approuch
The project addresses the challenges YSSN face in transitioning from school to work. It focuses on two innovative care-work-learn approaches, utilizing action research to integrate professional learning with practical experience in "transition arenas." These arenas foster collaboration among professionals, YSSN, and their caregivers, supporting young adults in building strengths and participating in regular employment. The project promotes collective competence by involving 170 YSSN in work environments and training 35 professionals. Additionally, it encourages inclusive practices in SMEs, such as job carving, and aims to create a sustainable, integrated care-work-learn ecosystem.
Impact on education
Utrecht University of Applied Sciences is integrating the project’s findings into its curriculum to enhance inclusive education for future teachers and social workers. By incorporating critical incidents from the transition arenas as case studies, students gain practical, hands-on skills to address contemporary challenges in inclusive education, preparing them more effectively for their professional roles.
