Apprenticeship trainings for learners with intellectual disabilities aiming at countrywide certification

HandicapNL, a DPO located in Odijk near Utrecht, is dedicated to helping people with intellectual disabilities to enter the open labour market. In 2023 it launched From Learning to Earning, an education and apprenticeship programme based on individualized support and progress, repetition of content, a low-stimulus environment, and many more features needed by this target group. Within one year, 400 apprenticeships were started and 300 were completed, mainly in the hospitality, care, and retail sectors. The longer-term goal of HandicapNL is for official recognition of this type of apprenticeship and its scaling across the country.

Solution: From Learning to Earning
Organization: HandicapNL
Country of Implementation: Netherlands

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[Alt text: An elderly woman and a younger companion enjoy a game together, deeply focused on the board. The scene reflects connection across generations, demonstrating patience, empathy, and shared joy in a community setting.]