DUAL ONLINE CENTER
Bank of Good Practices in Social Inclusion through WBL
FUTUREMPLEO, boosting dual training for people at risk of exclusion
Overview
The FUTUREMPLEO project was created to address the low employability of young people with intellectual disabilities in Castilla-La Mancha. These people face multiple barriers to accessing meaningful training and employment opportunities. The programme, promoted by the CECAP Group and the Soliss Foundation, offers fully adapted dual vocational training, combining accessible theoretical modules with internships in inclusive companies.
It specifically supports young people with intellectual disabilities, promoting their autonomy, inclusion and real employability. The collaborating companies receive technical advice to adapt tasks, schedules and work environments.
The initiative aims to create a replicable WBL model that guarantees equal opportunities, fosters respect for diversity and enables the active participation of people traditionally excluded from the labour market. It promotes a network of responsible employers, works with families and develops accessible materials.
The programme is implemented in Spain, specifically in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, and will be continued from 2019 thanks to its sustainable approach and proven impact.
It specifically supports young people with intellectual disabilities, promoting their autonomy, inclusion and real employability. The collaborating companies receive technical advice to adapt tasks, schedules and work environments.
The initiative aims to create a replicable WBL model that guarantees equal opportunities, fosters respect for diversity and enables the active participation of people traditionally excluded from the labour market. It promotes a network of responsible employers, works with families and develops accessible materials.
The programme is implemented in Spain, specifically in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, and will be continued from 2019 thanks to its sustainable approach and proven impact.
Objectives
The main objective of FUTUREMPLEO is to improve the employability and social inclusion of young people with intellectual disabilities through an adapted Dual Vocational Training model. This model combines accessible theoretical training with real work placements, in environments adapted to their needs.
The initiative facilitates access to WBL for a historically excluded group through adapted teaching materials, individualised psycho-educational support, and close collaboration with socially responsible companies that receive training to adapt jobs.
It reduces barriers to practical learning by adapting content, making timetables more flexible, providing support during in-company training, and creating cognitively and emotionally safe environments. It also involves families and legal guardians to ensure a comprehensive support network.
The initiative facilitates access to WBL for a historically excluded group through adapted teaching materials, individualised psycho-educational support, and close collaboration with socially responsible companies that receive training to adapt jobs.
It reduces barriers to practical learning by adapting content, making timetables more flexible, providing support during in-company training, and creating cognitively and emotionally safe environments. It also involves families and legal guardians to ensure a comprehensive support network.
Implementation
FUTUREMPLEO was implemented through a structured collaboration between the social entity CECAP Group, vocational training centres and local companies. The programme began with a diagnosis of the needs of young people with intellectual disabilities and the identification of cognitive, social and structural barriers that hindered their access to dual vocational training.
Accessible training itineraries were designed, with easy-to-read materials, clear language, visual aids and specialised tutors. At the same time, the participating companies received training and technical advice to adapt tasks, timetables and working environments.
During the internship, each student had a dual tutor (one from the company and one from the training centre), guaranteeing constant accompaniment. A system of family follow-up and coordination with social services was also established.
The programme integrated awareness-raising sessions for employers, created a bank of inclusive companies and promoted adapted employment contracts. Processes were documented with the aim of replicating the model in other regions.
Accessible training itineraries were designed, with easy-to-read materials, clear language, visual aids and specialised tutors. At the same time, the participating companies received training and technical advice to adapt tasks, timetables and working environments.
During the internship, each student had a dual tutor (one from the company and one from the training centre), guaranteeing constant accompaniment. A system of family follow-up and coordination with social services was also established.
The programme integrated awareness-raising sessions for employers, created a bank of inclusive companies and promoted adapted employment contracts. Processes were documented with the aim of replicating the model in other regions.
Innovative features
Mentoring programs for marginalized groups, Financial support (e.g., grants, scholarships, wage subsidies), Policy changes to encourage inclusive Work-Based Learning (WBL), Digital learning tools to improve access, Specialized training tailored to different learner needs, Uses technology to improve access, Provides financial incentives to encourage participation
Offers flexible learning options for different needs, Includes mentorship and support networks, Cognitive adaptation of materials (easy-to-read, pictograms) and Training for companies on accessibility and inclusion
Offers flexible learning options for different needs, Includes mentorship and support networks, Cognitive adaptation of materials (easy-to-read, pictograms) and Training for companies on accessibility and inclusion
Success stories
Álvaro, who has a mild cognitive disability, was hired in a logistics company after his time in the programme and is now in charge of sorting orders.
María, a user of the programme, works as an administrative assistant in an educational centre, with a permanent contract.
María, a user of the programme, works as an administrative assistant in an educational centre, with a permanent contract.
Measured outcomes
70 % job placement rate after training.
95 % satisfaction among students and families.
60% reduction in drop-out rates compared to traditional vocational training.
95 % satisfaction among students and families.
60% reduction in drop-out rates compared to traditional vocational training.
Challenges and lessons learned
Challenge: specific training of teaching staff in cognitive accessibility.
Lesson learned: success depends on a strong partnership between VET, the company and the social entity. Family accompaniment reinforces pupils' commitment.
Lesson learned: success depends on a strong partnership between VET, the company and the social entity. Family accompaniment reinforces pupils' commitment.
- CountrySpain
- SectorManagement Retail, trade and e-commerce Transportation, storage and packaging
- Target groupPeople at risk of poverty or social exclusion People with disabilities
Leading organisation
CECAP Group and Soliss Foundation
Date
2019, ongoing
Key stakeholders
• VET Providers and Training Centers: CECAP Formación; public VET Centers of Castilla-La Mancha.
• SMEs: Collaborating companies in the local environment in sectors such as hospitality, commerce and logistics.
• NGOs and Social Organizations: CECAP Group, Soliss Foundation.
• Government Agencies and Policymakers: Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha; Consejería de Educación, Cultura y Deportes; municipal entities (Toledo, Talavera de la Reina).
• Employers and Business Networks: Network of Inclusive Companies collaborating with CECAP; local business associations.
• SMEs: Collaborating companies in the local environment in sectors such as hospitality, commerce and logistics.
• NGOs and Social Organizations: CECAP Group, Soliss Foundation.
• Government Agencies and Policymakers: Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha; Consejería de Educación, Cultura y Deportes; municipal entities (Toledo, Talavera de la Reina).
• Employers and Business Networks: Network of Inclusive Companies collaborating with CECAP; local business associations.
Number of beneficiaries
More than 60 people since 2019
