As economies continue to expand on a global scale, education plays a crucial role as a
fundamental element in enabling young people to enter the job market, advance economically, and actively participate in social life. It also ensures benefits related to health and other advantages associated with productive educational and professional trajectories.
In 2021, the European Parliament intensely debated the issue of including autistic individuals in the job market, highlighting the concerning discrimination against people with disabilities, particularly those with Autism. In line with the European Commission’s policies aimed at promoting equality, such as the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the PROGRESS – Promoting Respect, Opportunity, Growth, and Equitable Social Support Project proposes to equip companies hosting VET trainees with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively interact with individuals on the Autism spectrum.
Through targeted training, PROGRESS seeks to ensure that these companies understand the unique strengths and challenges of individuals with Autism, playing a crucial role in addressing this pressing need.
This initiative begins in educational institutions and extends to companies hosting VET trainees on internships, aligning with the European Union’s efforts to reduce workplace discrimination and provide more opportunities for people with disabilities.
Key objectives:
1) To create opportunities for trainees with Autism by training VET providers in the job market;
2) To provide innovative tools for SMEs hosting VET internships to ensure the quality of internships and facilitate the inclusion of trainees with Autism;
3) To provide mentors in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) hosting internships with a suitable tool to monitor and certify the hosting experience of VET trainees with Autism.
Project Website: https://project-progress.org/
First TPM
The first Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the project PROGRESS took place in Portugal, from the 6th to the 9th of May 2025, hosted by the Projects Department of Mobility Friends. The meeting brought together all project partners from Portugal, Italy, and Sweden, marking an important starting point for the collaboration and joint development of the project’s objectives.
During the working sessions, partners had the opportunity to present their institutions, align expectations, and clarify roles and responsibilities. Discussions focused on the main goals of the project, as well as the sharing of ideas and good practices. Key management documents were also presented, including the Dissemination Plan prepared by Mobility Friends and the Quality Management Plan by CENAF.
The meeting also provided meaningful moments for cultural exchange, informal networking, and team-building, contributing to the establishment of trust and the reinforcement of a strong partnership.
This TPM concluded with an overview of upcoming tasks and deadlines, and participants left motivated to apply the insights gained to their respective roles.
Learning, Teaching and Training Activity (LTT) in Stockholm
From September 1st to 5th, we had the opportunity to participate in a Learning, Teaching and Training Activity (LTT) held in Stockholm, Sweden, where partners came together to exchange knowledge, experiences, and good practices related to the inclusion of people with autism in the labour market.
The week started with a cultural day, giving participants the chance to explore Stockholm and get to know each other better.
On the following day, the group gathered for an introductory session aimed at understanding the objectives and structure of the week’s programme. This initial meeting also provided a chance for participants to connect and discuss expectations before embarking on a series of study visits and presentations. Also, they had the chance to visit Restaurant Glasade Gången, where all employees have disabilities.
The highlights of the second day was the visit to three renowned Swedish organizations (Samhall, MISA, and Inuti) each with a unique approach to supporting individuals with different degrees of autism in accessing the labour market. These visits provided valuable insights into innovative practices, long-term strategies, and diverse support models.
Additionally, the programme included a visit to a public organization showcasing practical solutions designed to facilitate daily life through adapted environments and inclusive infrastructure. In the afternoon, participants attended a presentation from a national project led by the Swedish Public Employment Service, which offered a broader perspective on policies and strategies at the national level.
The final day of the LTT was dedicated to collaborative work among partners. This session encouraged active discussion and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the importance of transnational cooperation and collective problem-solving.
Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to meet with representatives from NGOs, regional and municipal authorities, corporate businesses, and national projects working in the field of autism and employment inclusion.Overall, this LTT in Stockholm provided a comprehensive overview of innovative practices in the field of autism and employment, combining institutional perspectives, practical experiences, and hands-on learning.
