InKas – Training and Compensation for Disadvantages
Responses by Raphael Breuer (Chamber of Crafts for Munich and Upper Bavaria), December 2024.
What were your goals in the project InKas?
The main goal of the InKas project was to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the skilled trades sector. A key aspect was the implementation of training sessions on the use of reasonable adjustments to increase the acceptance and application of these instruments in vocational education and training. The aim was to raise awareness particularly among examination and training boards, inclusion advisers and trainers so that people with disabilities would have better opportunities to access dual vocational training in the trades. At the same time, a long-term objective was to embed these measures sustainably within the chambers of crafts.
Are there any topics and focal points that have turned out to be particularly important for you in the project when it comes to pursuing these goals? If so, which ones?
A particularly important focus was on raising awareness and providing training for relevant stakeholders such as examination boards, trainers and inclusion advisers to increase understanding of the possibilities and benefits of reasonable adjustments. Individual support for apprentices with disabilities and the flexible adaptation of training content to the specific needs and structures of the skilled trades sector also proved crucial for promoting sustainable inclusion.
What were key challenges you faced during the project, what strategies did you use to deal with those challenges?
A key challenge was the limited access that smaller craft businesses had to information and support regarding inclusion. Many companies had no systematic contact with people with disabilities and therefore often felt uncertain when dealing with reasonable adjustments. Another challenge was the complexity of examination requirements in the trades, which presented particular difficulties for people with learning disabilities. In addition, it was difficult to break through long-standing thought patterns and bring about a shift in awareness within the businesses.
To close the information gap, the project aimed to promote pragmatic, unbureaucratic communication. It focused on targeted networking with relevant stakeholders and offered tailored training for various target groups. Emphasis was placed on providing individual support to both businesses and apprentices. Regarding examination requirements, the project called for exam tasks to be offered in optimised textual formats to improve accessibility for people with learning difficulties or language-related challenges.
Based on the insights and experiences gained during the project, what measures do you as most important when it comes to fostering the project’s aim? What are your recommendations in this context?
One important measure to strengthen inclusion competence would be the establishment of dedicated inclusion liaison roles within the chambers of crafts, to ensure continuous support and guidance for businesses. Furthermore, regular training sessions for all relevant stakeholders – such as examiners and vocational training advisers – should be implemented to expand their knowledge of reasonable adjustments and inclusion. In addition, we recommend establishing long-term networks between the chambers of crafts and the Single Points of Contact for Employers, to foster transparent communication and more effective implementation of inclusion strategies.
What insights gained during the project do you consider as most important?
One key lesson was that pragmatic and target group-oriented approaches are the most effective. The project’s flexible orientation was especially valuable, as it allowed for a tailored response to the specific needs of craft enterprises and apprentices with disabilities. It also became clear that empathetic and ongoing awareness-raising plays a central role in the inclusion process, and that a long-term shift in mindset is necessary to bring about lasting change.
Looking back on the aims and trajectory of the InKas project, where do you see a need for further research and which research questions would you name in this context?
Following the conclusion of the project, we see further research needs in terms of evaluating the long-term effects of inclusion in the skilled trades – particularly when t comes to the employment rate of people with disabilities in craft businesses and their sustainable integration into the primary labour market. Further investigation is also needed into how the effective implementation of reasonable adjustments impacts the quality of training and the professional development of apprentices with disabilities. Additional studies could explore the acceptance and sustainability of inclusion measures in small and medium-sized craft enterprises.
Project Goals
The aim of the InKas project was to improve the inclusion of people with disabilities in the skilled trades – particularly in the area of dual vocational training.
A key component was the training of relevant stakeholders – such as examination boards, trainers and inclusion advisers – in the use of so-called reasonable adjustments.
In the long term, these measures were intended to be firmly embedded within the structures of the chambers of crafts.
Key Topics
To ensure that knowledge about reasonable adjustments was conveyed effectively, the design of the training sessions played a crucial role. They needed to be practical, individually tailored, and adapted to the specific characteristics of the skilled trades sector.
Equally important was the personal support provided to apprentices with disabilities, to address their individual needs appropriately and enable genuine participation.
Challenges Faced during the Project
One major obstacle was the limited access many small craft businesses had to information about inclusion, which often led to uncertainty in dealing with people with disabilities.
The often highly complex examination requirements in the trades also posed a challenge – especially for individuals with learning difficulties or language barriers.
In addition, it proved difficult to establish new ways of thinking in businesses and to break existing routines.
Approaches to Address these Challenges
The project relied on clear, straightforward communication and individually tailored training sessions. Personal contact and continuous support – for both businesses and apprentices – were particularly important.
To make examinations more accessible, the suggestion was made to offer tasks in simplified language.
Key Insights
One of the main insights was: the more practical and targeted an approach is, the more effective it becomes. The flexible design of the project – adapted to the needs of businesses and apprentices – proved especially successful.
It also became clear that raising awareness is a process that requires empathy and perseverance.
Recommendations Derived from the Project
It is recommended that inclusion liaison roles be established within the chambers of crafts to serve as permanent contact points for businesses.
In addition, training on reasonable adjustments should be offered regularly and made mandatory for all relevant stakeholders.
Another important step is to build strong networks between the chambers of crafts and external support services, such as the Single Points of Contact for Employers, to improve collaboration and the flow of information.
Further Research Needs
Future research should examine the long-term impact of inclusion measures on the employment of people with disabilities in the skilled trades, as well as the level of acceptance of such measures.
How successfully individuals are integrated into the labour market and whether reasonable adjustments lead to better training and employment opportunities is a question of great relevance, also when it comes to small and medium-sized enterprises.
