Vocational training for jobseekers with intellectual disabilities rolled out countrywide

Chance B’s KomKom program in Austria aids disadvantaged youth via dual apprenticeship models. Expanded nationally in 2019, it involved 270 trainees by 2024 with a strong certification system.

Chance B, a leading service provider in the Austrian state of Styria, created the KomKom programme, a qualification initiative for educationally disadvantaged individuals. Modelled after Austria’s dual education and certification system for apprenticeships, it provides curricula, training, and validation methods. Since 2019 it has expanded nationwide with partners, involving 270 young people. In 2021 the KomKom network was launched to further support its Austria-wide rollout.

Problems Targeted

Young people with intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties are broadly excluded from the mainstream vocational education and apprenticeship system in Austria.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The KomKom programme, developed by Chance B, uses Austria’s dual education system for apprentices (‘Lehrlinge’) to provide a competence-oriented qualification with a state-recognized certificate assigned to the National Qualification Framework. Usually, these apprentices already have a contract with an employer for the time of the apprenticeship, or they can use the certificate for job applications. KomKom includes curricula, training, and validation methods for personal, social, and professional skills. For example, participants undergo practical training in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and office work, often in cooperation with companies in the primary labour market. From 2019 to mid-2024, 270 participants were trained; and KomKom, which is designed for scaling and expansion, is being rolled out across Austria through a network of partner organizations. By mid-2024 it has been actively implemented by seven partner organizations in Tirol, Oberösterreich, Niederösterreich, and Steiermark, with additional organizations preparing to join.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The KomKom programme is integrated into existing projects funded by the Austrian labour market service and disability assistance services. The development was supported by EU funds and the Austrian Ministry of Education, making the programme and its online platform freely available to interested organizations in Austria. KomKOm aims to expand its reach further through the KomKom network, a partnership of multiple service providers in Austria.  (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

The KomKom programme is modelled after Austria’s dual education system for apprentices.

The KomKom programme is modelled after Austria’s dual education system for apprentices.

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