The aim of the project
Paths2Work is a European Union co-funded Interreg Central Baltic project that aims to improve employment opportunities for young people with special support needs in Finland and Estonia. The project develops practical, evidence-based solutions and operating models that promote equal opportunities for transitioning from education to working life and accessing the open labour market.
How the project is carried out?
The project pilots two complementary employment support models designed to improve the transition of young people with special support needs from education to the labour market.
TREENI workshops (Humak, Finland) are collaborative, group-based workshops that bring together young people and employers to develop key workplace skills, enhance employability, and create pathways to working life through direct engagement with employers.
Criteria-based job coaching and work placement (Spesia, Finland) is an individualised support model that starts from the young person’s own goals and aspirations. The coaching helps strengthen employability and work-life skills, supports placement in work placements, and promotes a successful transition from education to employment.
Astangu Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (Estonia) is piloting both employment support models as part of its vocational rehabilitation and work placement services. Insights and results from the pilots will be used to develop shared, evidence-based practices and support models that promote successful transitions from education to employment.
Expected Results
- More than 120 young people will strengthen their employability and work-life skills.
- More than 120 employers will gain practical experience in inclusive recruitment and supporting the labour market participation of young people with special support needs.
- A practically tested support model combining both group-based and individualised approaches to employment support.
- The integration of the support models into educational institutions’ practices, benefiting more than 500 students annually.
- Evidence-based recommendations to support decision-making in employment, education, and service systems.
View the project details on the funder’s website (centralbaltic.eu).
Basic information
Duration: 1.4.2026-31.1.2029
Funding: The project is funded by the Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027 under Programme Objective 6 (PO6): Improving employment opportunities in the labour market. The total project budget is 710 025 €.
Partners: Humak University of Applied Sciences (Lead Partner, Finland), Spesia Vocational College (Finland), and Astangu Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (Estonia).
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