Paths, stairs and footbridge to working life
Path often found within a couple of months
The paths, stairs and footbridge to working life
project is aimed at the unemployed, those changing
profession, people with partial working ability, and
young people without vocational qualifications.
The project is managed by Manna ry, a third sector
service organisation, active in Uusikylä, Nastola.
– During the first year, there were 33 participants in this nationwide
ESF project, despite last year’s target of 20. Some project participants returned to school, others found work in the open labour
market, and two new jobs were even created, mentions Project
Manager Merja Monto.
– The rush for places demonstrates the clear need for this project,
due to continue until 2012. People join as agreed, through the
Employment and Economic Development Office, educational
institutions or insurance companies.
– Critical stages are tackled with the help of a footbridge. This is
provided by expert assistants embedded in a strong cooperation
network.
Plenty of added value for participants
Although the maximum project participation period is six months,
many people find their own path within a couple of months.
– Six months after a participant has left us, we get back in touch to
find out how things are going, explains Merja Monto.
Manna ry also offers participants other kinds of added value,
starting with an environment brimming with natural beauty.
Participants can attend first aid and hygiene proficiency training
during the project, for example.
– With no health monitoring specifically targeted at the unemployed, we have found it particularly necessary to offer participants
the possibility to consult a public health nurse.
Seven trained advisors a trump card
The pathfinding project begins by charting the participants’ initial
status and familiarisation with positions in home help, catering,
sanitation, environmental management and the care sector, with
the help of an advisor.
According to Merja Monto, the project’s seven advisors, trained as
workplace instructors in various positions, are its trump card. They
also have the right to approve skill demonstrations as components
of further vocational and vocational upper secondary qualifications.
– Participants gain a realistic insight into various positions – rosetinted images are discarded from the word go. On the other hand,
some participants find just what they’ve been looking for and
quickly enter training in the field.
– The following stage, stairs, means further measures based on
each participant’s personal plan, plus assessment. The project may
continue with training, gaining qualifications, finding employment,
or entrepreneurship. New, meaningful positions can also be found in
voluntary work or civic activity.
www.structuralfunds.fi
”The rush for places demonstrates the clear need
for this project, due to continue until 2012.”
Polut, Portaat ja Pitkospuut työelämään
Programme and priority: ESF, priority 2
Project code and period: S10880, 16.3.2009–31.5.2012
Overall costs: €737,787
Implementation: Manna ry
Administration: Centre for Economic Development, Transport and
the Environment for Häme
Further information: Project Manager Merja Monto,
merja.monto(at)manna.fi
wwww.manna.fi > hankkeet
European Union
European Regional Development Fund
European Social Fund
TEM / VCA 2010
Sound project activity