In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, young people with disabilities try work-linked training

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Social inclusion is a challenge with many surprises: one can have a disability and, at the same time, values. By enabling young people with disabilities to join a CFA (Apprentice Training Centre) and try their hand at work-linked training, we’ve created a virtuous loop whereby individual success has an effect on all the stakeholders in the project: company mentor, CFA teacher, and learner.Pascale Chaudron, Head of Shared Services IME SESSAD PEP CBFCThe "Banc d'essai (Test Bench)" project falls within the framework of Law No. 2005-102 of 11 February 2005 for equal rights and opportunities of disabled people, which supports non-discrimination, professional integration, and the obligation of employment. In this context, medico-social institutions and services must help young people with common law mechanisms by putting in place the compensatory means required for their disability. In this respect, the project is overseen and co-financed by the Regional Health Agency of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.It allows young people with disabilities to discover work-linked training for themselves by testing out courses at the Apprentice Training Centre (CFA) and spend time in a company.A long-term collaborationThe challenges around this project are as follows:convincing the CFAs and companies that they can and should open their doors to people with disabilities;convincing participants and their families that they are capable of integrating into a CFA;working with medico-social sector teams on the compensatory means to be established in the company in order to ensure that inclusion is successful.Long-term work has been carried out with the CFA partners through training conducted, in particular, by a neuropsychologist with CFA teachers on disability and impairment. For their part, the young people are involved from the start of the project and keep the same mentor throughout the process.This project also required a close partnership with all the medico-social organisations in order to pool resources on several levels: support, accommodation, and location of internship.A comprehensive approach to each young person's impediments and assets has been taken. Lastly, the project required technical support from the host companies, as well as research into the compensatory means to be put in place.A mutually beneficial programmeIn concrete terms, complete integration was achieved within the CFA partner, the CFA of Quetigny-Plombières-lès-Dijon, including teaching, meal times, visits to the company, and the use of apprenticeship tracking software for the young people being tested. In addition, a close partnership was established between the integration managers and local businesses.Each year, six to eight apprenticeship contracts are signed.First of all, this project has a positive impact on the young people as it helps them appreciate themselves and recognise their skills. Moreover, this initiative allows these young people to discover apprenticeship and, potentially, to sign a contract. It also a strong impact on the host companies’ employees. As a matter of fact, they feel valued in their daily work and a sense of responsibility and commitment towards a vulnerable group. Lastly, the project impacts the families, who support their child and are proud of their journey.Total investment and European fundingThe "Banc d'essai" project received a total investment of EUR 150 815; the contribution from the European Social Fund amounts to EUR 67 866 under the ERDF-ESF Burgundy Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the "enhancing equal access to lifelong learning" priority.