EARLALL participated in the ESF+ Community of Practice webinar on innovative work-based learning for vulnerable adults

21/05/2026

On 21 May, EARLALL participated in the online ESF+ Community of Practice event “Innovative Work-Based Learning for Vulnerable Adults”, which gathered around 50 participants from across Europe. The webinar showcased innovative approaches to work-based learning (WBL) from Belgium, Greece and Romania, highlighting how person-centred and practice-oriented models can support vulnerable adults in accessing employment and social inclusion.

The event was opened by Rasa Miceviciene, Coordinator of the ESF+ Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills, followed by Laura Mangent from DG EMPL, who underlined the importance of cooperation and knowledge exchange across Europe in promoting inclusive employment and skills policies.

Agota Scharle, Lead Thematic Expert of the ESF+ Community of Practice, presented an overview of innovative work-based learning models for vulnerable adults. She highlighted how cooperation between NGOs, social enterprises and employers can facilitate labour market integration through training, workplace learning and tailored support.

Ward Sulmon from LIGO Brussels presented the specific context of Brussels and the role of the 13 Ligo adult literacy centres. The presentation highlighted the organisation’s broad partnership ecosystem involving around 80 partners, including language houses, vocational training providers, employment services, schools and workplaces offering practical work-experience opportunities for vulnerable adults and newcomers.

Margot Liatira from Ev Zin (Wellbeing) in Greece presented the organisation’s inclusive employment model supporting people with severe mental health disorders. Established within the framework of Greece’s psychiatric reform, the social enterprise operates in cleaning and catering services while ensuring legal employment conditions, wellbeing support and social protection.

Ramona Marian from ADV Romania presented the organisation’s network of social enterprises promoting social economy principles and supporting the inclusion of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. The presentation highlighted Romania’s labour market challenges for persons with disabilities and introduced the JobDirect model, a personalised pathway towards employment that combines assessment, skills development, vocational training, work-based learning and ongoing job coaching.

The webinar concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Márton Csillag, bringing together experts from OECD, CEDEFOP and the ESF+ Community of Practice. Discussions focused on the importance of inclusive and accessible training systems, stronger support for SMEs engaging in work-based learning, sustainable funding mechanisms and closer cooperation between policymakers, employers, NGOs and training providers.

The webinar’s focus on inclusive work-based learning pathways for vulnerable adults closely aligns with the objectives of the ESF+ WISE project – Supporting Ukrainian Refugee Women’s Socio-Economic Integration and Wellbeing. As communication, dissemination and scale-up leader of the project, EARLALL contributes to promoting innovative approaches that strengthen employability, lifelong learning, social inclusion and wellbeing for vulnerable groups across Europe, including Ukrainian refugee women.