28-week employment training programme

LetsCo! organizes long-term trainings (one day every two weeks for 28 weeks), including traineeships in regular working environments such as for-profit companies (as co-workers), in kindergartens, and in elderly care centres. As a result, participants develop professional skills and discover their talents, and areas in need of improvement.

Problems Targeted

Adults in Flanders with an intellectual disability who have not managed to get a job in the open labour market receive financial support from the government, but such support cannot be combined with a salary. Since they cannot get a paid job, many people with an intellectual disability go to day- care centres or stay at home.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

LetsCo! organizes long-term trainings (one day every two weeks for 28 weeks), including traineeships in regular working environments such as for-profit companies (as co-workers), in kindergartens, and in elderly care centres. As a result, participants develop professional skills and discover their strengths, talents, and areas in need of improvement. On-the-job-training takes place in a company or organization close to where the individual lives. During the second half of the training programme, the participants are enrolled in a 14-week internship, working a minimum of three hours/maximum of six hours per week. Consequently, young adults with intellectual disabilities are strengthened to take an active role in their own community. With a success rate of 82 per cent, this model offers these young adults a perspective for the future and a chance to work in a regular environment.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

One training costs approx. €25,000 per year and is funded by the Flemish Government. LetsCo! has been expanding into various types of education, has increased its partnerships with corporations, and is working towards a self-sustaining model.

Pictures

Longterm on-the-job training in companies, kindergarten, and in elderly-care centres are the key to success.

Longterm on-the-job training in companies, kindergarten, and in elderly-care centres are the key to success.

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