About project

Paths2Work is an EU‑funded project focused on improving employment opportunities for young people with disabilities in Finland and Estonia.

The project tests and compares group‑based and individualised employment support models in real‑world settings, working closely with employers, educators, and rehabilitation providers. The goal is to develop practical, evidence‑based solutions and transferable approaches that support inclusive access to the labour market.

Why this matters

Young people with disabilities in the Central Baltic region face severe employment barriers. Among those aged 20-29, only 47% are employed (European Disability Forum, 2024).

Employer attitudes remain a major obstacle: 64% of Finns believe disability disadvantages job candidates (Eurobarometer, 2019), while in Estonia, just one in three employers has hired a person with a disability (Estonian Employers’ Survey, 2021). 

Two complementary support models

Paths2Work brings together partners from Finland and Estonia to implement:

• TREENI workshops: group sessions where young people and employers build skills together.
• Criteria-based coaching and Job Shadowing: one-to-one support helping participants move into jobs.

International cooperation will boost youth employment

Through the Paths2Work project, 120+ young people under the age of 30 with disabilities will gain practical skills, work experience, and improved job prospects. Simultaneously, 120+ employers will learn inclusive hiring through hands-on involvement.

Here are the project’s main outputs:  

• 120+ participants with stronger labour market readiness  
• Six certified job coaches forming a cross-border Baltic network  
• 120+ employers experienced in inclusive recruitment  
• Practical toolkit combining group and individual support  
• Integration into institutions, benefitting 500+ students annually  
• Evidence-based policy recommendations 

Sources

Fair employment for persons with disabilities: we need the EU Disability Employment Guarantee! – European Disability Forum

Discrimination in the European Union – syyskuu 2019 – – Eurobarometer survey

Tööandjate hoiakud soosivad vähenenud töövõimega inimeste palkamist – Arst.ee