Training job coaches to support jobseekers with disabilities and employers

Since 2018 the Accessible Employment project has been training people with and without disabilities in Cambodia as job coaches, who then support jobseekers while also working with employers. In 2019 there were ten trained job coaches, and 54 people with disabilities had gained employment.

Light for the World, the international NGO, through its country office in Cambodia and together with Essential Personnel Cambodia and Cambodia Asia Talent, created the Accessible Employment project in 2018. The project trains people with and without disabilities to become job coaches, who then work with jobseekers with disabilities and employers to promote inclusive employment. From 2018 to 2020, ten job coaches were trained and 54 people received job support.

Problems Targeted

Employer attitudes towards jobseekers with disabilities are a significant barrier to finding work in Cambodia.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

The Accessible Employment project trains people with and without disabilities as job coaches to support both jobseekers and employers. They identify companies, conduct awareness trainings, and check workplace accessibility. A manual has been developed to standardize both the process of training job coaches and the support that coaches offer. Training venues are accessible, with sign interpreters available when needed and resources in Braille. Once trained, the job coaches primarily work with young people and women with disabilities and guide them through the job readiness process, such as providing career planning support and interview training. Persons find work mostly in manufacturing and offices. Across 2018 and 2019 job coaches have worked with 125 people with disabilities, and have engaged with employers to promote inclusive employment, address prejudice, and discuss reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Since 2018 the project has organized two national employment forums and other networking events, connecting jobseekers with 32 companies.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The project costs between US$85,000 and US$90,000 per year. It is funded by foundations in Europe via Light for the World and through a grant from the Australian Government through the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Service. Light for the World aims to grow the model across Cambodia and increase the number of people supported and placed in work. The project is contributing to the development of a database of jobseekers with disabilities by the Ministry of Social Affairs. The Ministry will endorse the manual, along with the training and other tools, to become a national standard.

Pictures

Accessible Employment programme participant Sina Meng at work.

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