Training programmes for counsellors for implementing community integration of difficult-to-employ people

The COM-IN project, inspired by the EMPUBLIC project (co-financed by Erasmus+), identified significant competence gaps among counsellors in employment offices, vocational training organizations, N...

By implementing the project, we aimed to achieve several key objectives: 1) Empowerment of Counsellors in employment offices, vocational and training organizations, NGOs and local communities by enhancing their ability to effectively use methods and approaches for integrating difficult-to-employ (DTE) individuals into the workforce.2) Exchange of Best Practices 2) Exchange of Best Practices: with the aim to promote exchange of experiences and good practises among counsellors, from different organizations in the area of working and social integration of DTE. 3) To empower a “community coordinator” to oversee and coordinate community activities focused on the social and employment integration of DTE. 4) Improved Collaboration: to improve collaboration and networking among various organizations in the working and social integration of DTE. 5) Integration into Curriculum: We aimed to prepare a programme for the integration of prepared training programs and methodology into the curriculum of VET and other organizations operating in working and social integration of DTE. 6) Certification/Standardization: we sought to prepare methodologies for the identification and certification of informally acquired knowledge for new professionals.

To achieve our project objectives, we implemented a series of targeted activities within the COM-IN project: 1. Development of two Competence Models: - We developed a Competence Model for counsellors working with DTE persons (R1) to identify the essential skills counsellors need for successfully integrating DTE individuals into the workforce. - We also developed a Competence Model for Community Coordinators (R3), focusing on the competences needed by decision-makers to effectively coordinate community activities for the social and working integration of DTE individuals. 2. Training Programs: - Based on the competence model we prepared a Training Program for Counsellors (R2) to empower them with advanced methods and approaches for integrating DTE individuals into employment. - Additionally, a Training Program for Community Coordinators (R4) was created to enable these coordinators to effectively manage community efforts towards DTE integration. 3. Integration into Curricula: We designed a Program for Integrating Training Programs (R5) into the curricula of vocational education and training (VET) institutions and other organizations working on DTE integration. 4. Certification Program: A Certification Program Proposal (R6) was developed to standardise the informally acquired knowledge and competences of counsellors working with DTE individuals, ensuring consistent quality and accessibility. 5. Training Events: We implemented 2 Learning /Teaching/Training short-term joint staff training events: - At the 1st LTT, organised in January 2023 in Lyon on the France Travail premises, we trained counsellors, teachers and trainers. The training was based on the “Training programme for counsellor for DTE” to test the proposed programme. We reached a total of 21 participant on the LTT1 training programme. - At the 2nd LTT, organised in Padua in January 2024, we trained decision makers employed in partners’ organizations. The training was based on the “Training programme for the community coordinator for DTE”. We reached a total of 32 participant on the LTT2 training programme. Following each LTT event, we organized short training sessions in each participating country for external counsellors and decision-makers, further establishing networks for knowledge transfer and promoting DTE employment. We reached a total of 82 participating counsellors in the pilot training programmes in all three countries and a total number of 66 participating coordinators in the pilot training programmes for coordinators. 6. Pilot Training: In order to evaluate project methodology, we carried out pilot training of end users (difficult-to-employ persons), using R2 and R4 training programmes skills. We involved a total of 41 end users in this piloting training session. Detailed reports are available in the annexed section (End users training). 7. Project Management and Evaluation: Five TPM meetings were held across different countries to facilitate the successful implementation of the project. 8. Dissemination and Sustainability Activities: We organized a very successful Multiplier Event in Brussels in April 2024 at the European Parliament and European Economic and Social Committee to promote and share the project’s results. We also engaged in various dissemination activities, including meetings with target groups, press conferences, social media, and web platforms like the EPRP and EPALE. To ensure the project's sustainability, we focused on ongoing training, network maintenance, and continuous engagement with the broader community. These activities collectively aimed to empower stakeholders, standardise practices, and foster collaboration to effectively support the integration of DTE individuals into the workforce.

The concrete outputs and results of our project were significant and aimed at creating lasting impacts in the field of working and social integration of difficult-to-employ (DTE) individuals. Key outputs of the COM-IN project: 1) Developed one Competence model for 'Counsellor for DTE”: serves as the foundation for developing a training program to equip counsellors with the skills necessary to meet the outlined competences. R1 was created with input from 5 focus groups conducted in project countries, involving counsellors working with DTE. Participants provided invaluable insights that helped shape the model, which details the essential competences required for working with DTE. The model encompasses technical, know-how, and know-being competences, each illustrated through specific work-related situations. Accessible through: https://www.fuds.si/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/EN_R1_HANDBOOK-Competence-model.pdf. 2) Developed one Training programme for 'Counsellor for difficult-to-employ people': This training program builds on the foundation established by R1 and is designed for anyone involved in the education of DTE counsellors, as well as those interested in the field, whether they are experienced or newcomers. The program outlines key educational objectives and essential topics to support counsellors in providing effective guidance to DTE. It incorporates successful adult education methods and emphasizes the sharing of best practices. The program was further refined during a pilot session (LTT1) with active participation from COM-IN project partners. Accessible through: https://www.fuds.si/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/EN_R2_TRAINING-PROGRAM-DTE-COUSELLOR-final-2.pdf 3) Competence model for “community coordinator for DTE”: focused on empowering Community Coordinators (CCs) who work within organizations dedicated to the social and work integration of DTE. Although CCs do not directly interact with DTEs, they play a crucial role in networking, collaborating with counsellors, and coordinating with multiple organizations. Through focus groups held in project countries, it was identified that CCs often lack certain competencies necessary for effective collaboration in complex integration scenarios. The competence model for CCs, includes managerial skills, technical expertise, soft skills and serves as the foundation for a new training program. Accessible through: https://www.fuds.si/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/EN_R3_FINAL_HANDBOOK_Compet.Model-Coordinator-EN.pdf 4) Training programme for “community coordinator for difficult-to-employ people”: training program specifically for community coordinators working with DTE. Based on R3, this program provides a comprehensive framework to equip coordinators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support counsellors. The training includes a variety of educational materials, rigorously tested and refined through LTT in Padua and pilots in partner countries. Accessible through: https://www.fuds.si/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/EN_R4_TRAINING-PROGRAMME-DTE-COORDINATOR_EN.pdf 5) Programme for integration of prepared programs and methodology into the curriculum of VET and other organizations: This result enables the long-term application of the project’s outcomes across various sectors. The key achievements include detailed instructions and guidelines for incorporating these programs into the curricula of relevant organizations, ensuring sustainability beyond the project's duration. The result emphasizes adaptability across different legal frameworks and promotes stakeholder engagement to broaden program adoption, ultimately enhancing social integration and employment opportunities for DTE. Accessible through: https://www.fuds.si/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/R5_Integration-programme_final_EN-1.pdf 6) Certification programme proposal for 'counsellor for DTE' prepared by the partnership: This result is significant as it addresses the need to standardize the knowledge and competencies of DTE counsellors across participating countries. The project explored various certification options, resulting in the introduction of the 'counsellor for DTE' as a new professional profile. This standardization effort aims to enhance training accessibility, improve professional standards, and influence national policies on qualifications, ultimately supporting better employment outcomes for DTE. Accessible through: https://www.fuds.si/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/R6_Certification-process_Final.pdf. 7) Consolidated 4 networks for the transfer and exchange of knowledge in the area of working and social integration of DTE & the promotion of employment of DTE: This task focused on the role of networks in promoting an inclusive society, the importance of networks connecting organisations working on the social and work integration of DTE. These networks, operating at local, national, and international levels, specialize in addressing challenges faced by specific groups. Accessible through: https://www.fuds.si/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/COM-IN_Networks_final-2.pdf and https://www.fuds.si/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/COM-IN_Common-mission_final.pdf. Impacts: • We empowered more than 200 counsellors, coordinators, mentors, and trainers in the field of DTE integration, leading to more effective support for DTE individuals including them in the participatory research • The project reached out to empower 90+ decision-makers, improving collaboration among organizations involved in DTE integration. • Recognizing and reinforcing one international network and three national networks (each with 30 members) for ongoing knowledge exchange among counsellors. We reinforced one network in each project country. • During the project we have established close connections and networking among partners with the aim to exchange experiences and good practices in dealing with the difficult to employ persons in different countries. • At least three certification program proposals for 'Counsellor for DTE' are expected to be accepted by national authorities in all participating countries. In Slovenia, the Social chamber already approved the certification process, whilst in Italy and France the process is still ongoing. In the long term, our goal is to improve the processes of working and social integration for DTE individuals, ensuring they have more effective assistance and better opportunities for integration into the workforce. Each partner has anticipated post-project activities to reinforce these impacts and ensure the sustainability of our efforts. All objectives initially pursued in the project were successfully achieved. We met all our targets, including the development of competence models, training programs, and the establishment of networks for DTE integration. Each goal was completed as planned, ensuring the project's success and the realization of its intended impacts. The project exceeded our initial expectations in several key areas. Not only did we successfully achieve all our objectives, but we also generated significant interest and engagement from our target groups. The competence models and training programs we developed were welcomed with enthusiasm, leading to higher-than-anticipated participation in our networks and training events. Additionally, the project's impact extended beyond the immediate participants, sparking interest from a broader audience, including organizations and stakeholders not originally targeted, as well as university students. This led to joint curriculum development for a new elective course that will be offered at FUDŠ in the academic year 2025/2026 and will use elements from the training programmes.