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Special and Vulnerable Groups

  • The Greek Public Employment Service provides specialized services for the unemployed who belong to Special and Vulnerable Social Groups and in particular for those who belong to the following categories:

    • Persons with Disabilities (PWD)
    • Rehabilitated from addictive substances
    • Released from prison
    • Young Offenders or Young People at Social Risk
    • Victims of Human Trafficking
    • Women Victims of gender-based and domestic violence
    • Transgender 
    • Persons who continue to reside after their adulthood in Child Protection and Care Units

    The unemployed belonging to the above categories are provided with Counseling Services: 

    • information and specialized information on training, employment and entrepreneurship,
    • personalized support in order to integrate into the labor market and gain social and economic autonomy.

    The above services are provided afterthe issuance of the Unemployment Certificate and after being completed electronically by the unemployed person himself/herself, the questionnaire (PROFILING) about his/her employment profile and which will be posted on his/her online profile.

    At the same time with the registration processtake into account the following conditions in order to join the special register of unemployed Vulnerable Social Groups.

  • Registration in the special register of unemployed disabled people
      • A prerequisite for registration in the special register of unemployed Persons with Disabilities (PWD) is the possession of a Disability Opinion by a Disability Certification Center (KEPA) in force. The Disability Certification Centre (KEPA) Opinion should certify a disability rate of at least 50%, as well as ability to work*. Please note that the opinions of the Primary Health Committee of IKA are also accepted in force.

        The Unemployment Bulletin issued on the basis of the Disability Opinion by Kepa lastsup to three (3) months after the expiry of the validity of the disability document presented.

        *it is exceptionally possible to register in the unemployment register of the Greek Public Employment Service of Persons with Disabilities suffering from mental illness or mental retardation or sympathology of mental illness and mental retardation, with a percentage of 50% or more, even in the case that a lack of capacity for any livelihood is reported in the disability certificate in accordance with the provisions of Law 2716/1999 (A'96)

  • Registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Persons Free from Addictive Substances
      • A prerequisite for registration in the special register of unemployed persons who are addicted to addictive substances is that the person concerned has in his/her possession one of the following:

        • Certificate of completion of an approved therapeutic program of physical and mental rehabilitation, with or without substitutes. Approved drug rehabilitation programs operate in the following centers: OKANA, KETHEA, Psychiatric Hospital of Athens, Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, Drug Rehabilitation Center of prisoners Eleonas Thivon, General Hospital of Ioannina G. Chatzikostas, General Hospital of Corfu "Agia Eirini".
        • Certification that the person concerned is in the Stage of Social Reintegration and the Rehabilitation Body consents to the issuance of an unemployment card with the aim of integrating him/her into the labour market.
        • Certificate of independence from a corresponding Body from an EU country, provided that the body issuing this certificate is licensed by a Public Authority of that country.
  • Registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Persons released from prison
      • A prerequisite for registration in the special register of the Greek Public Employment Service of unemployed persons released from prison is the possession from the Territory or from an EU country, where it is stated that a sentence of more than 2 months has been served.

  • Vulnerable Social Groups and Unemployment=>Registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Young Offenders or Young People at Social Risk
      • A prerequisite for registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Young Offenders or Young Persons at Social Risk of the Greek Public Emloyment Service is the possession of an Introductory Report of Social Services of Correctional Institutions or Institutions of Education or a Company for the Protection of Minors or Courts of Minors or a Service of Guardians of Minors or competent Bodies of the Ministry of Health or the Prefectures or Municipalities or other competent Social Intervention Body or the "Smile of the Child" or the SOS Villages or other similar Bodies, where it is ensured that the person is in special socio-economic conditions and it is proposed to be included in the subsidy program of the employment of the Ministry of Health. In addition, a Minor's Health Booklet is required for the cases where it is provided.

  • Registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Victims of Human Trafficking
      • The act of the competent Prosecutor of the Court of First Instance for Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings is required for the registration in the special register of unemployed persons of the Greek Public Employment Service, both immediately after the initiation of the criminal proceedings and before the criminal prosecution. In the latter case, the issuance of this Act requires a written opinion, drafted by two scientists with the specialty of psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker, who serve in a Service or in a Protection and Relief Unit of Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Presidential Decree 233/2003, as in force, or in NGOs or IOM or International Organizations or other specialized and recognized by the State protection and assistance bodies, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the aforementioned Presidential Decree 233/2003.

  • Registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Victims of Gender/Domestic Violence
      • For registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Victims of Gender/Domestic Violence, women victims of gender-based violence and victims of domestic violence are required to have

         a certificate that they belong to the specific category of beneficiaries, signed by a legal representative of the following bodies, as follows:

        -  For the Women's Counseling Centre of the General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality, by the legal representative of the body, following a recommendation from the head of the Social Protection and Counseling Services Directorate.

        -  For the Advisory Centers of the Research Centre for Equality Issues (KETHI), by the legal representative of the body, on the recommendation of the Three-Member Scientific Committee.

        -  For the Hostels of the National Center for Social Solidarity (E.K.K.A.), by the legal representative, following the recommendation of the Head of the Social Service.

  • Registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Transgender Persons
      • For the Registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Transgender Persons is required:

        • In case they have already changed their data through the procedure of Law 4491/2017 (A’ 152): New registration document and change of registration in the Public Financial Service (Tax Office).
        • If they have not changed their data through the procedure of Law 4491/2017 (A’ 152): A Solemn Declaration stating that they are: a transgender person and that the individual and internal way of self-determination of their gender, which is a fundamental characteristic of their existence as a person in accordance with the provisions of Law 4491/2017 (A’ 152), does not belong to the registered gender at birth.
  • Registration in the Special Register of Unemployed Unemployed Adults who continue to reside in Child Protection Units after reaching adulthood
      • For the registration in the special register of unemployed adults who continue to reside after their adulthood in Child Protection Units, it is necessary that:

        Individuals are registered in the National Register of Minors of the National Center for Social Solidarity (EKKA) in accordance with Article 5 of Law 4538/2018 (A’ 85) as amended 25 by Article 117 of Law 4604/2019 (A’ 50) and have a certificate signed by the Head of the Directorate of Child Protection of the EKKA, in which:

        (a) it is certified that the beneficiary person is registered in the National Register of Minors kept in the information system anynet,

        (b) the Registration Number of the said beneficiary is indicated in the information system anynet,

        (c) it is certified that the beneficiary person remains a guest in the Child Protection Structure.

  • The unemployed that belong to Special and Vulnerable Social Groups are provided with Consulting Services:

    • information and specialized information on training, employment and entrepreneurship,
    • personalized support in order to integrate into the labor market and gain social and  economic autonomy.

    The above services are provided after the issuance of the Unemployment after being electronically completed by the unemployed person himself/herself (PROFILING) about his/her job profile and which will be posted on his/her electronic profile.

  • myDYPAlive service: "digital appointment" option to serve unemployed EKOs
  • Procedure for starting Professional Counseling
      • After completing the online questionnaire, the unemployed person from a vulnerable social group is invited for an interview by a specialized Work Advisor in order to investigate his/her needs, his/her psychosocial and work preparation.  

        The Job Counselors  through the process of individualized approach - which is based on the basic principles of Professional Counseling - take into account: 

        • the special needs for social and psychological support of these groups,

        • their special needs for training, both based on their cognitive level and their previous experience, as well as on their physical and psychological capabilities, 

        • the level of work readiness they have, according to the elements of their personality and their special needs

        The consultants take all the necessary actions/ actions aimed at the empowerment and activation of people belonging to vulnerable social groups, their interconnection with active forms of employment, the linking of supply-demand of work and/or the undertaking of an entrepreneurial initiative.

        The interview of the unemployed vulnerable social groups with their Job Counselors is based on the development of a relationship of mutual trust and mutual acceptance and focuses on the investigation of the individual's needs and desires, in order to determine the objectives and the framework of their cooperation.

         Interviews may be repeated at Ordinary intervals, the frequency of which depends on the individual needs of each unemployed person. 

        Given the specific needs and characteristics of unemployed vulnerable social groups, specific key actions are required to empower and activate individuals in order to achieve both their integration and their stay in the labor market.

  • Special Social Groups Consulting Services Structure
      • The Job Counselors addressed to the unemployed of Special Social Groups develop the following supporting actions:

        • Design-Development of an Individual Action Plan
          • Recording and diagnosis of personal characteristics / peculiarities, causes of exclusion, interests, abilities / skills, motivation to work, etc.
          • Evaluation - self-assessment of skills, interests, abilities, personality elements
          •  Identification of objectives, delimitation of the process of implementation of the Individual Action Plan

        The Individual Action Plan also includes a series of additional supporting actions, is evaluated at various times throughout the process of strengthening the unemployed and is adjusted according to the needs of the individual.

        • Personal Empowerment – Activation 
          • Psychosocial support and counselling of the individual
          • Actions to enhance self-confidence and self-esteem
          • Support to address family or other problems that contribute to social exclusion
        • Professional Empowerment
          • Provision of professional information (market trends, special training and employment programs, jobs) 
          • Provision of career guidance
          • Creating a career plan
          • Learning job search and job retention techniques
          • Guidance on appropriate choices in the labor market according to the profile and needs / desires of the individual
          • Development of professional awareness and improvement of social skills
        • Integration in the labor market: 
          • Placement in a suitable job
          • Counselling to a worker and employer with the aim of facilitating the progression of the individual to the labor market
          • Counselling to a freelancer to develop a new business and solve any difficulties that may arise during the implementation of the business
          • Continuous monitoring and evaluation  of the development of the individual in the labor market either as an employee or as a freelancer
  • Business employment grant scheme: A. 3,000 unemployed who belong to special and vulnerable social groups

     

    Objective

    The creation of 3,000 new full-time jobs for unemployed people belonging to special and vulnerable social groups

     

    Beneficiaries

    Registered in the Greek Public Employment Service registry on the date of their designation belonging to the following categories: 

    • Persons with Disabilities
    • Women victims of domestic or gender-based violence
    • Persons who have completed a rehabilitation program
    • Released Persons
    • Young Persons at Social Risk
    • Transgender Persons
    • Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings, as well as
    • Adult Persons who continue to reside after their adulthood in Child Protection and Care Units and are registered in the National Register of Minors of Greece’s National Center for Social Solidarity (EKKA) 

     

     

    Beneficiaries

    • Private Enterprises and generally employers of the private sector who engage in Ordinary economic activity
    • Developmental Societies of Local Authorities engaged in Ordinary economic activity as well as A 'and B' degree businesses, regarding employment with disabilities.

     

     

    State Aid Regime

    • If the company chooses the de minimis state aid scheme, it should not have reduced its staff in the 3 months before the application and should not have received funding from state aid over €200,000 in the previous 3 years (current and previous 2). 
    • If the company chooses the state aid scheme of the General Discharge Regulation, not have reduced its staff in the 12 months before the application and not have received funding from state aid over €5,000,000 since the year 2014.

    It is recalled that the beneficiaries of the state aid scheme of the General Discharge Regulation belong to the following categories of unemployed persons who are in a particularly disadvantaged position:

    • Persons with disabilities
    • registered for 24 months or more
    • registered unemployed for 12 months with at least one of the following conditions: 
      • aged between 18 and 24 years or
      • have not completed compulsory education or have completed compulsory education without having subsequently advanced to a higher level of education or 
      • being over 50 years old or
      • living alone under the care of one or more dependent members

     

    Duration

    The duration of the grant is 24 months with the obligation to maintain the subsidized positions for an additional 8 months after the end of the grant. It is noted that the development Societes Anonymes of local authorities and the companies of local authorities of first and second degree are not obliged to maintain the jobs.

     

     

    Grant

    • If the company chooses the de minimis state aid scheme, the subsidy amounts to 75% of the wage and non-wage costs, up to a maximum of 700€ per month, and includes the Christmas and Easter Gifts and the Holiday Allowance

    • If the company chooses the state aid scheme of the General Discharge Regulation, the subsidy amounts to 75% for the employment of Persons with Disabilities and 50% for the remaining vulnerable groups of wage and non-wage costs, with a maximum of 700€ per month, and includes the Christmas and Easter Gifts and the Holiday Allowance.

     

    Detailed information is given in the Public Call for Proposals

    NB. The program for the employment of unemployed people from vulnerable social groups, which included an ergonomic arrangement for workplaces for people with disabilities, has been closed for the submission of applications.

     

     

  • Vocational Training Schools for the Disabled
      • The Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) has two special education training structures:

        The School for People with Disabilities of Athens and the Educational Center for Vocational Training of Adolescents and Youth with Special Needs of Thessaloniki (EKEK PWD of Thessaloniki)

        These structures aim at vocational training (theoretical and practical) and socialization of unemployed people with disabilities and consequently at their employment in the various sectors of the economy. At the same time, trainees receive psychosocial and counseling support from Special Scientific Staff (psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, etc.).

  • Vocational Training School for Disabled People (Athens School for Disabled People)
      • Address: L. Galatsiou 19,  11141 Athens, Tel/Fax: 210-2110878, 210-2110640

        Email: sxamea@oaed.gr

      • TRAINING PROGRAMS' TARGET GROUP

        The programs of the School are addressed to:

        1. Persons with a disability rate of 50% or more (based on the current opinion of the primary health committee of IKA or decision of KEPA) aged 18-58 years regardless of gender, religion, or nationality - holders of an active unemployment card from which they can be registered in the Eko Register of the Greek Public Employment Service - and with conditions such as: 

        • Physical disabilities
        • Movement problems
        • Organic deficiencies (heart failure, kidney failure, leukemia, cancer, hepatitis B, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, etc.)
        • Deafness-Hard of hearing
        • Slightly Mental Retardation
        • Total or partial blindness  (Attendance at the Faros for the Blind)
        • Mental disorders
        1. Greek nationals or expatriates, as well as foreigners who were born and reside permanently and legally in Greece, have completed compulsory education in Greece or hold a certificate of at least level B language proficiency.

        1. Candidates who have not attended a training program at the Athens Vocational Training Centre for People with Disabilities for the last eight (8) years.

         

        Over time, since the establishment of the Athens school for people with disabilities, they were not included in the notices for people with mental illness, which was due to the lack of appropriate staff and infrastructure to support this group of people. From the school year 2015-2016 onwards, students with mental disabilities are admitted under the guidance and supervision of a special interdisciplinary working group of the Vyronas / Kaisariani Mental Health Center of the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the University of Athens Aiginiteio Hospital.

      • ACCOMPANYING SUPPORT SERVICES

        The School is staffed by specialized staff with experience both in the training of people with disabilities and in the provision of Accompanying Support Services (psychologists, sociologists, social workers, nurses, and sign language interpreters).

        The actions provided by the Accompanying Support Services aim at empowering and encouraging trainees both during their studies and before their integration into the labor market.

         

      • THE SPECIALTIES

        The trainees are placed in the programs upon selection and depending on their skills, ailment, and grammatical knowledge.

         

        • CARPENTRY - WOODCARVING 

        The program aims to provide the graduate with the basic knowledge of carpentry (construction of simple furniture, tables, chairs, etc.) and the construction of wood carvings.

         

         

        • POTTERY - TOURIST CERAMICS

        The program aims to give the trainees all the theoretical and practical background of ceramic art, focused on constructions with high demand from the Greek tourism industry.

         

         

         

        • ICONOGRAPHER OF PORTABLE ICONS AND FRESCOES

        The program aims to give trainees the opportunity to start and deepen the study of the Orthodox icon with traditional materials. It also aims to understand, assimilate, and interpret the peculiarity of both the illustration of portable icons and murals.

        During the course of study, trainees will have the opportunity to participate in collective work and to create individually.

         

         

        • LEATHER BAGS AND SMALL ACCESSORIES - IMITATION JEWELLERY

        The program aims to give the trainee the technical knowledge of making leather bags, purses, suitcases, travel bags, and accessories of all kinds. Trainees will also learn to manufacture small leather goods of a utilitarian and decorative nature. At the same time, in this program, they are trained in the creation and manufacture of jewelry (pseudojewelry) with various techniques.

         

         

         

         

        •  WEBSITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

        The program aims to give the trainees all the theoretical and practical background of computer systems and network technology. The graduate of the specialty "Web Design and Development" will be able to install and use at least one open software package for the development of websites, to use the web creation processes with the use of HTML and the corresponding web development environment, to use the specialized services and tools of technologies related to Dynamic HTML - JavaScript – CSS and to use software and hardware for the digitization and processing of video and audio. 

        The use of technology, and in particular that related to internet technologies, offers many opportunities for the rehabilitation of trainees, who can work in the public or private sector.

         

         

        • COMPUTERISED ACCOUNTING OFFICER

        The graduate of the specialty "Computerized Accounting Officer" with the specialized knowledge and skills he has acquired during his training, applies Accounting Science with the use of computers and accounting programs – applications (software) and deals with the execution of any technical or other process that refers to the implementation of tax insurance and labor legislation.

        Also, he is able to carry out formal administrative and accounting support tasks and has sufficient knowledge of e-mail management, programming and secretarial support applications.

         The graduate of this department, can work in a dependent job of small and medium-sized / large manufacturing / industrial / craft unit or construction / services / commercial etc. enterprise of the private or public sector.

         

         

      • REMOTE EDUCATION- TRAINING

        With the method of tele-training the specialty Administrative and Financial Executive is provided.

        In this program people with intense mobility problems that can not be moved can participate and are given the opportunity to train from home.

        The graduate of the specialty "Management and Economics Executive" with the specialized knowledge and skills he has acquired during his training, applies the principles of management science, economics, and public relations.

        He handles office equipment modern technology, plans and guides staff activities, classifies and files documents, plans and controls the procedures of issuing data such as invoices, consignment notes, bills of lading, etc. documents, implements tax, labor, commercial legislation as well as the legislation of social security, accepts visitors and deals on behalf of the company, uses human relations and communication. 

        He is employed in departments and directorates of the administrative and financial services of private or public sector units.

      • COOPERATION WITH THE "LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND OF GREECE"

        Since 18/11/2009 there are two training courses for visually impaired people at the premises of the “Lighthouse for the Blind” with the following specialties:

        • Ceramics 
        • Administrative and Financial Officer of Enterprises
      • SEMINARS- EVENTS- TRIPS

        At the School, specialized seminars are held on an Ordinary basis (in person and online) by various bodies to inform trainees and trainers on prevention issues for the use of addictive substances, sexually transmitted diseases, work issues, first aid, etc.

        Also, educational visits to museums and cultural sites are organized in order to link the specialty with social reality, but also for the promotion and cooperation of the School with the general public.

      • OPERATING LICENSE OF ATHENS SCHOOL FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
  • Vocational Training Schools for Persons with Disabilities (Athens School for the Disabled)
      • SCHOOL PRESENTATION

        The School of Vocational Training for People with Disabilities has been operating since 1990 at 19, Galatsiou Avenue, offering services in the field of training vulnerable social groups.

        The training programs that operate at the School aim at the professionalization of unemployed persons with disabilities in specialties that are consistent with their specificity so that graduates have the opportunity to work or self-employment when they enter the labor market.

        At the same time, the trainees are monitored by a team of special scientific staff who provide them with accompanying support services during their studies, in order to strengthen their skills and prepare for the labor market.

        The course lasts for two school years (1,800 hours of training) and is subsidized.

  • Educational Center for Vocational Training of Adolescents and Young People with Special Needs of Thessaloniki" ( Thessaloniki Vocational Training Schools for Disabled People)
      • Address : EKEK OAED, Lakkia Vasilikon,  57006  Thessaloniki, Tel: 23960-23201 & 23960-22720 / Fax: 23960-23201

        Email: pvmlakkia@oaed.gr

      • Structure of THESSALONIKI VOCATIONAL CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

        In the vocational and training centre for disabled people in Thessaloniki, there are: 

        a) Vocational Training Courses for the educable: The vocational training of the educable aims to provide the trainee with all the necessary skills and knowledge to practice a profession or empirical art according to their abilities. Moreover, it extends the general education, the integration of his personality and the awareness of his responsibility. Laboratory courses are held in the Centre's laboratories, but may also take place in various professional spaces within the framework of the Centre's extrovert operation.

        b) b) Vocational Training Courses: For young people who belong to the category of Traineeships, the purpose of vocational education is to socialize, strengthen their basic learning level and finally, acquire supplies for their effective integration into a protected form of work (Protected Labour Centres - KEPE), where the element of productivity is ensured.

        c) Protected Labour Centres (KEPE). KEPE offers a protected form of work to all graduates if they have successfully completed their studies in corresponding jobs. Their aim is to prepare all students for the acquisition of professional skills and competencies, necessary for their equal and smooth integration into the labor market, in combination with the acquisition of work consciousness and experience. 

        The programs include the construction, repair of products, or the provision of services, which take place mainly in the laboratories of the Center with the supervision and guidance of teachers, but also in cooperating companies and bodies of the private or public sector. 

        The operation and actions also seek to raise awareness among professional bodies, of enterprises and employers for the effective professional integration of the specific population in the local labour market.

        At the same time, Accompanying Support Services are provided, such as career guidance, psychological support for the development of self-confidence and counseling to enhance social communication and transaction skills with services, employers, and generally in the workplace. 

        In combination with the protected-support work, students are provided with other promotion services in the labor market such as connection with employers and mediation with employers, counseling for the creation, organization, and operation of partnerships, counseling to enhance social communication and transaction skills in matters of legal, insurance and financial technical coverage of individual and business actions.

      • Trainees' Fee

        Trainees of all categories are paid a daily allowance of five (5) euros for each training day. Students participating in the Protected Labor Centers (KEPE) are paid an allowance equal to 40% of the salary of the unskilled worker, as defined each time.

      • Duration of studies

        The duration of study in the classes of the Traineeships is set at four (4)  years of study, while in the classes of the Traineeships, the duration of study is set at five (5) years. All trainees after graduation and at their request, can be employed in KEPE.

        The duration of stay in KEPE is for the Educables three (3) years and for the Trainees four ( 4) years.

      • Participation in National and International programs

        1. The vocational and training centre for disabled people in Thessaloniki (former Model Industrial Unit of Lakkia Thessaloniki) participates in the program "Youth Parliament" and in sports events of national and international scope (Panhellenic, European, World Championships, Special Olympics).

         

        2. During the period 2015-2016 he participated in a European learning mobility program entitled "CrossCultural Vocational Training for Teachers of SEN and Students with SEN" (code 2014-1-EL01-KA102-000410) under the KA1 action, ERASMUS+. This programme was implemented in collaboration with the National Star Specialist College Foundation in the UK, in Cheltenham and included Training of Teaching and Scientific Staff and Training of Students with Special Educational Needs.  In total, 40 students,  15 chaperones and 30 members of the educational and scientific staff participated. This program was the largest program approved and evaluated in Greece in 2015 with such a high score. Finally, it was awarded by the State Scholarships Foundation State (IKY) and set an example for all schools in Greece.

         

        3. During the period 2016-2018, the EKEK for People with Disabilities implemented a second mobility program, as a continuation of the previous one. 

        Specifically, within the framework of the Erasmus+ program and the Action KA1 “Mobility for learners and staff in vocational education and training”, the program was implemented under the title “EmployAble”. Partner and host institution was the National Star Specialist College in Cheltenham, UK.

        The program, whose main purpose was to promote young people with disabilities in the labor market and employment, included two actions, teacher training and student training. The first action involved a total of 25 teachers of the School, who were trained in professional guidance and mentoring as well as in the structure and operation of social enterprises. The trainees had the opportunity to get in touch with the work mentors, to visit work environments where students with disabilities are employed and to follow in practice the process of supporting both young people and employers at work. 

        The second action involved 30 students who were supported by 15 accompanying teachers and who were placed in jobs in the social enterprises of National Star College

        A group of students were employed in Starprint, the printing business, where they were trained in logo design, printing on mugs, fabric and wood, They became familiar with the machinery, tools and electronic means and in general with the way the business operates, while another group of students was placed at StarBistro, where young people gained work experience in restaurant services, in front and behind the counter, such as in cooking, setting tables, serving, ordering, operating the coffee machine, etc.

        The students were also trained in Customer Services through the social enterprise Starshop, a store where food and beverages are sold, but also the products manufactured in the professional laboratories of the college thus learning how a commercial store works: operating a cash register, inventory, supply, food quality control, etc. They were also placed in the secretariat of the college where they offered auxiliary services, such as sorting of correspondence and distribution, operation of the photocopier, and operation of the machine that calculates postage. 

        Finally, the students were employed in the field of cooking by professional chefs, in the professional laboratory of the college, where meals and sweets are prepared, which are sold in cafes and Bistro of the wider region and which, like the social enterprises mentioned, operates in real working conditions.

        Participation in the Erasmus+ program was an important experience that contributed significantly to the expansion of the professional and personal horizons of the participants but also offered the students a strong breath of confidence, confidence and optimism bringing them even closer to the coveted Autonomy.
         

        4. During the current period (2020-2022) the school participates in the implementation of the new ERASMUS+ program entitled “Steps towards autonomy” with partner-host the BERUFSBULDUNGSWERK training center for people with disabilities in Mosbach-Heidelberg, Germany.

        The program will take place in the framework of enhancing the extroversion of our school as well as the provision of equal opportunities to our students.
        The aim is to bridge the gap between the educational process and the transition to the labor market.

        The program will involve a total of 30 students and 45 teachers.

        The 30 teachers will have the opportunity to be trained with experiential techniques in the know-how and good practices of the professional inclusion of students, with emphasis on methods of implementing the dual system in special vocational training.

        The 15 teachers who will accompany the 30 students will have the opportunity to experience innovative learning practices and visit the laboratory and professional areas.

        The participation of 30 students will enhance their skills, both technical and professional. Through interaction with young people of different cultures, their social skills and social adaptation will be enhanced. At the same time, cultivating a sense of belonging will improve their self-image and self-esteem. 

        Visits to Germany will take place in 5 flows. Each flow will be attended by 6 students with 3 accompanying teachers and 5 teachers-in-training. In the program trainees and educable students can participate from the specialties of informatics, geotechnics, carpentry and tailoring workshop.

        This cooperation will undoubtedly be an important tool in acquiring practices for the connection of the school with the market and labor and the smoother integration of students in society.
         

        5. During the period 2020-2022, the PwD EKEK of THESSALONIKI implemented the ERASMUS+ program in the KA2 action in cooperation with 3 countries, Great Britain, Poland and Romania. 

        This action took place for the first time and its aim was to create cooperation strategies that support and promote innovation. Furthermore, the aim of the action was to prepare and guide people with disabilities in their easier work integration. Through the creation of a network of exchange of practices and educational-work programs, guidance for professional opportunities was given. The program was implemented with the aim of highlighting consulting practices as well as the development of professional networks and partnerships. Driven by the tradition of each country, while emphasis was placed on highlighting the wealth and products of Greece.

        The teachers of EKEK for People with Disabilities Thessaloniki, in cooperation with students, prepared three projects oriented to innovative educational practices that promote the cooperation of institutions for smoother integration and familiarization of students. 
        A total of 8 meetings between countries took place, while the program involved a total of 14 teachers.

        The ultimate goal of the action was the creation of a website (http://www.work-able.co.uk) that will promote the work of each country, in this way, students have the opportunity to present their work but also to attend the work of their peers, to share experiences, practices, and skills while stimulating their self-confidence and sociability.
        Finally, the aim of the web site is the transmission of ideas and practices tested and ready to be adopted by other structures.

  • Educational Center for Vocational Training of Adolescents and Young People with Special Needs of Thessaloniki ( Thessaloniki Vocational Training Schools for Disabled People)
      • THESSALONIKI VOCATIONAL CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

        The vocational and training centre for disabled people in Thessaloniki (former Model Industrial Unit of Lakkia Thessaloniki) provides vocational training to adolescents and young people with disabilities, who reside in the wider agglomeration of Thessaloniki.

        In particular, it provides training to students with:

        • mild mental retardation 
        • Down syndrome and related syndromes
        • disorders on the spectrum of autism of moderate and high functionality 
        • complex cognitive, emotional, and social difficulties, due to abuse, or a particular family environment or domestic violence, which bring about serious special educational difficulties 
        • special learning difficulties such as combined speech and speech disorders (dyslexia, ADHD and others), which require serious special educational interventions.

        The students of PwD EKEK Thessaloniki, based on the level of professional skills, belong to the diagnostic categories of Trainable and Practicable, depending on the diagnosis that has been carried out by a public body before the registration at the Centre. It can also provide its graduates with Forms of Protected Employment.

        In addition to the standard daily training program, EKEK may also participate in the following activities:

        • Education, Training and Employment, in collaboration with Organizations in Greece and abroad, aiming at the search for good practices and innovations that will lead to the upgrading and improvement of the services offered, the social and professional integration of students in the wider community and the labor market.
        • Education aimed at the elimination of social exclusion, the socialization of adolescents and their conscious integration into social functions and actions.

        Through these actions, students are given the opportunity to reflect and express their views as equal members of society, on important and current problems of modern Greek society, but also on particular issues related to the everyday life of young people with disabilities, with the ultimate goal of experiencing the principles of democracy, equal treatment of citizens and social solidarity as a way of life. In order to achieve the above objectives, the PwD EKEK of Thessaloniki cooperates with social institutions and organizations that have corresponding orientations.

        Official Gazette of Establishment of the Thessaloniki EKEK for people with disabilities

    • Law 2643/1998, Government Gazette 220 A' /28.09.1998, Article 1: Care for the employment of persons of special categories and other provisions

    • Law 3863 Government Gazette 115 A’/15-07-2010: On the establishment of the KEPA

    • Law 4139/2013, Article 33, Article 51, Article 58: Law on addictive substances and other provisions. 

    • Article 122-123 of the Penal Code, 

    • Article 127 of the Penal Code,

    • Article 45A of the Code of Criminal Procedure,

    • Article 17§1 of Law 2298/1995,

    • Article 133 of the Penal Code

    •  Article 1 § a of Law 4251/2014,

    • Articles 323, 323A, 323B, 348A, 349, 351 and 351A of the Penal Code,

    • Articles 2, 3 and 4 of the Presidential Decree. 233/2003

  • The Greek Public Employment Service as a modern, flexible and European employment service has high priorities to integrate the modern directions of inclusion, respect for diversity and personalized service and this is the goal of this guide.

    The main mission of this guide is to activate and contribute all the involved organizational units of the Greek Public Employment Service to the fight against the discrimination suffered by Special and Vulnerable Groups, as well as to provide equal opportunities in the work and social environment. At the same time, the guide aims to inform the people who belong to these groups about their rights, the relevant actions and policies of the Greek Public Employment Service and their full information about their service points MORE INFORMATION HERE)