The “Stronger Together” project partner “Latvian Samaritans Association” has ensured successful training for future workers – people with support needs

Knowledge and understanding are essential keywords for promoting work integration. Both among employers, employees, and society as a whole, including buyers of products and services. We already had training for entrepreneurs, now we are moving further and helping to prepare for the labor market for those who have so far been excluded from it due to both a lack of knowledge and skills and the attitude of others.

We held training sessions for future employees at the end of July, in the premises of the support center “Solis” in Valmiera. A program developed by the project, adapted specifically for this target group – people with disabilities, was used to transfer knowledge and skills. Under the guidance of trainers working in the field of work integration, the basics of employment relations were learned, including writing a CV, preparing for job interviews and analyzing situations that most often arise in the workplace. The theoretical part was adjusted to the practical part, considering the participants’ attention and stress tolerance. Situations such as job interviews, absenteeism, and job evaluation were played out, and then they were analyzed together. How to behave in an interview, what are written and unwritten rules, obligations and rights, what is criticism and how to perceive it, what is occupational safety and how to observe it – these are just some of the issues included in the training program.

“We are happy for every acquired skill and motivated training participant, while at the same time not forgetting the big goal – real jobs for these people. Therefore, the greatest appreciation of the training is the recognition and positive feedback from entrepreneurs. Up to now, in the third period of the project, we have concluded four service contracts, thus employing the target group in various territory cleaning and other necessary auxiliary works. One of these contracts is still ongoing, the others were concluded for specific seasonal work. This is a real, tangible result, which we are very pleased with.” emphasizes Inga Brente-Mieze, project manager of the Samaritan Association of Latvia.

In a broader sense, such training allows social services to develop in general. For example, specialized workshops in Valmiera municipality can practically test which skills still need to be mastered, and which ones only need to be strengthened.

This was the first training cycle for employees – we will continue the acquisition of knowledge and skills in the fall.

The project “Stronger Together” is implemented within the framework of the Interreg Central Baltic program 2021-2027, the project is co-financed by the European Union.

Dagnija Kaklautiņa, Public Relations, Latvian Samaritan Association