DUAL ONLINE CENTER
Bank of Good Practices in Social Inclusion through WBL
Special Employment Program for Unemployed People from Vulnerable Social Groups (EKO)
Overview
This program was developed by DYPA to address systemic exclusion from the labor market faced by individuals from highly vulnerable groups. It promotes work-based learning and job placement as tools for social and professional reintegration. It supports employers through wage subsidies and ergonomic adjustments, while empowering people with disabilities, former inmates, recovering addicts, and other marginalized groups to access sustainable employment opportunities.
Objectives
The program's goal is to create 2,000 new jobs and fund 50 ergonomic workplace adjustments for people with disabilities. It helps underrepresented groups by subsidizing their placement into paid roles and encouraging inclusive workplace conditions, thereby directly reducing entry barriers such as employer reluctance, accessibility, and stigma.
Implementation
DYPA launched calls for employers to participate, offering subsidies for hiring vulnerable jobseekers. Each job placement is monitored and paired with tailored support services (where applicable). Employers hiring people with disabilities could apply for additional ergonomic adaptations funded through the program. All participants were drawn from DYPA’s registered databases (e.g., disabled jobseekers, former inmates).
Innovative features
Wage subsidies, Accessibility support, Employer incentives, Job matching, Ergonomic workplace adaptation, Targeted outreach
Measured outcomes
Significant increase in employment for groups typically excluded from labor markets. Enhanced employer readiness to accommodate diversity. First-of-its-kind integration of care leavers and transgender individuals into public employment programs in Greece.
Challenges and lessons learned
Initial employer hesitation, lack of awareness, and accessibility costs were mitigated through information campaigns and financial incentives. Collaborations with NGOs and community groups helped match jobseekers with supportive employers and ensure inclusive placement success.
- CountryGreece
- SectorAll sectors
- Target groupPeople at risk of poverty or social exclusion People with disabilities Women
Leading organisation
DYPA
Date
2021, 2022
Key stakeholders
• VET providers and training centers
• NGOs and social organizations: DYPA and NGOs supporting each target group
• Government agencies and policymakers: Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, public sector legal entities
• Employers and business networks: employers from private and social economy sectors
• NGOs and social organizations: DYPA and NGOs supporting each target group
• Government agencies and policymakers: Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, public sector legal entities
• Employers and business networks: employers from private and social economy sectors
Number of beneficiaries
Targeted 2,000 job placements and 50 ergonomic setups
