Vocational training and participation in working life for apprentices with disability-related restrictions has been a socio-political issue throughout Europe for many years. One problem that has not yet been solved is the permanent overburdening of this group of people by existing vocational training requirements, which were not originally developed for them. Vocational education and training currently offered through specialized institutions cannot replace a separate vocational training model that would approach the individual learning constraints of this group of people with greater flexibility. At present, many informally acquired skills remain unused as they are not captured by the conventional vocational training model. The result is high drop-out rates, undeveloped social potential and reduced participation opportunities for those disadvantaged. The experience of the partners involved has shown that the work and life style described with the term "inclusion" and practiced in the partner initiatives on a broad basis opens up developmental potential in people with special needs that goes far beyond common expectations. On the basis of the partners' experience, these observations shall be methodically exploited for a vocational education process to be developed in this project. This project proposes to create a qualified professional training concept with a model character that offers people with special needs full vocational training opportunities leading to a complete vocational certificate. It is intended to enable them to participate in the professional life of their societies in a self-responsible and self-managed way. The concept would fully complement existing qualifications for those not disadvantaged. The main objective is the establishment of a cross-disciplinary, qualified, individual vocational training framework for people with special needs who have not yet been given access to recognized vocational training as well as low-skilled workers. The key of this approach to vocational education is that the apprenticeship does not start from a complete and finite vocational profile at the beginning of the training, but instead builds this profile flexibly and on an individual basis in cooperation with the trainees (portfolio approach), consiering theire personal abilities. The project will work on developing learning and teaching materials, teaching methods, learning spaces and a training program for trainers. The resulting didactic material is then prototyped within the field of agricultural occupations accessible to the partners. The didactic individualization is expected to lead to a significant reduction in drop outs due to over- and under-exhortation or frustration. It should also promote "soft skills" such as self-confidence and autonomy. The training documents can be used by any institution working with or employs people of the target group.
Project context, Vocational training and participation in working life for trainees with disability-related limitations is a socio-political issue throughout Europe and has become increasingly important through the commitment of the EU and UN towards the inclusion of people with special needs (MmbU). Nevertheless, the practical implementation of inclusion, the individual design of training processes and the recognition of non-formally acquired skills is a challenge. In this context the INCLUTRAIN project has further developed the approach of person-centred education. Objectives The objective of the INCLUTRAIN project was to develop an innovative interdisciplinary individual training framework concept for MmbU. The developed concept and the tested method do not impose any initial requirements. It does not define job description at the beginning of the training, but allows to define the job description as well as the learning path and the learning goal in the process. Participants The project consortium consisted of 6 European partners: Three farm and living communities Weide- Hardebek (D), Loidholdhof (AT) and Urtica de Vijfsprong (NL), with long term experience in the field of MmbU support, Albert de Vries Onderzoek in eigen Werk (NL), the Bundesverband Deutscher Berufsausbilder (D) and merckens development support gmbh as experienced project coordinator and applicant. The inclusive character of the project was characterised by the self-evident way in which people in need of support (MmbU) participated in the project activities and played a decisive role in shaping them. In total, more than 150 people from Germany, the Netherlands and Austria were directly involved in INCLUTRAIN. A total of 48 employees with disability-related limitations took part in the inclusive training activities. Description of the activities, In the project we worked together on the development of the training concept. For coordination and exchange seven transnational project meetings took place. To test the intellectual outputs, four four-day inclusive and international training activities with a total of 106 participants were carried out. The dissemination of the project results, as well as networking and professional exchange, was focus during six public multiplier events with over 200 guests. Results and achieved impacts The result of the INCLUTRAIN project is a qualified vocational framework concept with model character, which offers MmbU vocational training opportunities that correspond to their individual abilities. The training focuses on individual qualities and enables them to participate fully and independently in the professional life of society. The starting point of the method is the individual impulse for action and willingness to learn of the individual. The individual relationship between learner and educational companion are central elements. The training framework complements the existing system in a complementary way and forms a basis of experience that opens up horizons for the further development of vocational training opportunities. Four handouts on 1) didactic methodology 2) teaching and learning materials 3) learning rooms and 4) handbook for training personnel have been developed and are freely available. The far-reaching impact of the project can be experienced above all in the farm communities and the staff there. Individual qualities become visible and cooperation gains a new level. Caretaking employees are visibly more motivated and show initiative when it comes to learning new things. The concept is also attracting interest from external parties. Many professionals indicate that they want to continue working with the methodology and have already requested consultation appointments and visits to the project partners. It is to be expected that the training concept developed will open further opportunities for MmbUs in the field of vocational training and that these will also be incorporated into cost covering schemes. Long-term effects The developed vocational training concept and the work with the methodology have initiated a change of perspective. In a dynamic development process the participating farm communities are continuing working on it. The concept is designed in such a way that learning takes place in the course of everyday work and is linked to the personal, individual qualities of each person. The project partners have made a clear decision to continue the exchange of experiences and the joint work. A submitted application for a “strategic partnership for the exchange of good practice” can, if approved, support this work. The initiated process will be continued independently by all partners.