DUAL ONLINE CENTER
Bank of Good Practices in Social Inclusion through WBL
Employability Programme for Refugees (Programa de Empregabilidade para Pessoas Refugiadas)
Overview
1. The IKEA Portugal Refugee Employability Programme was initiated in 2021 to address the challenges refugees face in integrating into the labour market and society. Recognising that refugees often encounter barriers such as language difficulties, lack of local work experience, and societal prejudices, the programme aims to provide them with the necessary tools and opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their families.
2. Individuals with refugee status or those seeking asylum in Portugal.
3. The programme aims to facilitate the social and professional integration of refugees by providing:
- Portuguese language courses: 75-hour classes tailored to different proficiency levels, focusing on the Latin alphabet, social interactions, and work-related expressions.
- Sociocultural and employability sessions: Workshops led by partners that cover cultural exchange, interpersonal skills, and practical job search strategies.
- On-the-job training: Participants join various IKEA departments (e.g., Logistics, Sales, IKEA Food, Customer Support) to learn about specific roles and daily routines, with close guidance from mentors.
4. In Portugal, the programme has been implemented across all IKEA units.
2. Individuals with refugee status or those seeking asylum in Portugal.
3. The programme aims to facilitate the social and professional integration of refugees by providing:
- Portuguese language courses: 75-hour classes tailored to different proficiency levels, focusing on the Latin alphabet, social interactions, and work-related expressions.
- Sociocultural and employability sessions: Workshops led by partners that cover cultural exchange, interpersonal skills, and practical job search strategies.
- On-the-job training: Participants join various IKEA departments (e.g., Logistics, Sales, IKEA Food, Customer Support) to learn about specific roles and daily routines, with close guidance from mentors.
4. In Portugal, the programme has been implemented across all IKEA units.
Objectives
1. The main goal of the Refugee Employability Programme is to actively contribute to the integration of refugees arriving in Portugal by promoting their employability and inclusion in the labour market. This initiative aims to provide refugees with the necessary tools and opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their families.
2. The programme offers refugees access to work-based learning through:
• On-the-job training: Participants join various IKEA departments (e.g., Logistics, Sales, IKEA Food, Customer Support) to learn about specific roles and daily routines, with close guidance from mentors.
• Portuguese language courses: 75-hour classes tailored to different proficiency levels, focusing on the Latin alphabet, social interactions, and work-related expressions.
• Sociocultural and employability sessions: Workshops led by partners that cover cultural exchange, interpersonal skills, and practical job search strategies.
3. The programme reduces barriers by:
• Providing language support: Offering Portuguese language courses to enhance communication skills and ease integration into the workplace.
• Offering structured mentorship: Assigning each participant a buddy and a mentor to guide them through the programme, fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Creating inclusive workplace experiences: Integrating refugees into various IKEA departments allows them to gain practical experience and understand workplace dynamics in Portugal.
2. The programme offers refugees access to work-based learning through:
• On-the-job training: Participants join various IKEA departments (e.g., Logistics, Sales, IKEA Food, Customer Support) to learn about specific roles and daily routines, with close guidance from mentors.
• Portuguese language courses: 75-hour classes tailored to different proficiency levels, focusing on the Latin alphabet, social interactions, and work-related expressions.
• Sociocultural and employability sessions: Workshops led by partners that cover cultural exchange, interpersonal skills, and practical job search strategies.
3. The programme reduces barriers by:
• Providing language support: Offering Portuguese language courses to enhance communication skills and ease integration into the workplace.
• Offering structured mentorship: Assigning each participant a buddy and a mentor to guide them through the programme, fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Creating inclusive workplace experiences: Integrating refugees into various IKEA departments allows them to gain practical experience and understand workplace dynamics in Portugal.
Implementation
Implementation Actions to Promote Social Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in WBL:
1. Language and Cultural Integration: The programme includes intensive Portuguese language courses tailored to different proficiency levels, focusing on the Latin alphabet, social interactions, and work-related expressions. This linguistic support is crucial for effective communication in the workplace and broader social integration.
2. Professional Development and Mentorship: Participants receive training in various IKEA departments, such as Logistics, Sales, IKEA Food, and Customer Support. Each refugee is assigned a mentor and a buddy to guide them through the programme, fostering a supportive learning environment and promoting workplace integration.
3. Sociocultural and Employability Workshops: The programme offers workshops led by partners that cover cultural exchange, interpersonal skills, and practical job search strategies. These sessions aim to bridge cultural gaps and prepare refugees for the professional environment in Portugal.
4. Awareness and Advocacy: IKEA collaborates with NGOs and social organizations to raise awareness about the challenges refugees face and to advocate for their rights. This collaboration helps change public perceptions and encourages other businesses to adopt inclusive hiring practices.
1. Language and Cultural Integration: The programme includes intensive Portuguese language courses tailored to different proficiency levels, focusing on the Latin alphabet, social interactions, and work-related expressions. This linguistic support is crucial for effective communication in the workplace and broader social integration.
2. Professional Development and Mentorship: Participants receive training in various IKEA departments, such as Logistics, Sales, IKEA Food, and Customer Support. Each refugee is assigned a mentor and a buddy to guide them through the programme, fostering a supportive learning environment and promoting workplace integration.
3. Sociocultural and Employability Workshops: The programme offers workshops led by partners that cover cultural exchange, interpersonal skills, and practical job search strategies. These sessions aim to bridge cultural gaps and prepare refugees for the professional environment in Portugal.
4. Awareness and Advocacy: IKEA collaborates with NGOs and social organizations to raise awareness about the challenges refugees face and to advocate for their rights. This collaboration helps change public perceptions and encourages other businesses to adopt inclusive hiring practices.
Innovative features
Mentoring programs for marginalized groups, Specialized training tailored to different learner needs, Offers flexible learning options for different needs, Includes mentorship and support networks
Success stories
One notable success story is that of Giselle, a refugee who participated in the programme. Through the support of IKEA and its partners, Giselle was able to gain valuable work experience, improve her language skills, and integrate into the Portuguese community. Her journey highlights the positive impact of the programme on individual lives.
Measured outcomes
• Employment Integration: Approximately two-thirds of participants found employment after completing the programme, either within IKEA or with other companies.
• Language Acquisition: Participants received 75 hours of Portuguese language courses, enhancing their communication skills and facilitating their integration into the workplace and society.
• Cultural Integration: The programme included sociocultural sessions that helped participants understand Portuguese culture and workplace norms, aiding their social inclusion.
• Language Acquisition: Participants received 75 hours of Portuguese language courses, enhancing their communication skills and facilitating their integration into the workplace and society.
• Cultural Integration: The programme included sociocultural sessions that helped participants understand Portuguese culture and workplace norms, aiding their social inclusion.
Challenges and lessons learned
Challenges:
- Language Barriers: Many refugees faced difficulties due to limited proficiency in Portuguese, hindering their ability to communicate effectively in the workplace.
- Cultural Differences: Adjusting to a new cultural environment posed challenges in terms of workplace behavior and social interactions.
Lessons Learned:
- Comprehensive Support: Providing language courses, cultural orientation, and mentorship proved essential in facilitating the integration of refugees into the workforce.
- Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships with organizations like the Council for Refugees (CPR) and the High Commission for Migration (ACM) were crucial in delivering effective support and resources.
- Language Barriers: Many refugees faced difficulties due to limited proficiency in Portuguese, hindering their ability to communicate effectively in the workplace.
- Cultural Differences: Adjusting to a new cultural environment posed challenges in terms of workplace behavior and social interactions.
Lessons Learned:
- Comprehensive Support: Providing language courses, cultural orientation, and mentorship proved essential in facilitating the integration of refugees into the workforce.
- Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships with organizations like the Council for Refugees (CPR) and the High Commission for Migration (ACM) were crucial in delivering effective support and resources.
- CountryPortugal
- SectorRetail, trade and e-commerce
- Target groupMigrants, refugees and asylum seekers
Leading organisation
IKEA
Date
2021, ongoing
Key stakeholders
• Employers and Business Networks: IKEA Portugal.
• NGOs and Social Organizations: The initiative is developed in partnership with the Portuguese Council for Refugees (CPR), which plays a key role in identifying eligible participants and providing social and integration support throughout the process.
• Government Agencies and Policymakers: The High Commission for Migration (ACM) is involved in the initiative, supporting coordination between public policies and employment programs that assist asylum seekers and refugees.
• NGOs and Social Organizations: The initiative is developed in partnership with the Portuguese Council for Refugees (CPR), which plays a key role in identifying eligible participants and providing social and integration support throughout the process.
• Government Agencies and Policymakers: The High Commission for Migration (ACM) is involved in the initiative, supporting coordination between public policies and employment programs that assist asylum seekers and refugees.
Number of beneficiaries
As of early 2022, the programme has supported 32 refugees in Portugal. The first edition in 2021 involved 18 participants, while the second edition in 2022 aimed to integrate up to 20 participants.
