Project Newsletter #2
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In this edition, we will delve even deeper into the progress of the STEP2LAB initiative and share exciting updates and insights that we believe will pique your interest. Our team has been hard at work, and we can't wait to showcase the strides we've made.
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WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO
Guiding, training, and insertion (GTI) into the labour market |
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We have been busy creating a transnational GTI manual within the context of each partner country. Our research is analysing how GTI support is provided in each prison establishment and what proceedings guide their cooperation with private organisations.
The partners have presented the findings of this analysis to prison staff, VET providers, companies, industry representatives and inmates in each of their countries. This research and dissemination efforts aim to impact the way prison establishments and companies engage to create job opportunities in prison. Our end goal is to deliver a framework which can be used to create symbiotic relationships between the industry sector in need of manpower and the qualification opportunities available in prison facilities. |
STEP2LAB has been attracting attention in Europe, with invitations to participate in events from the Hannover Messe (Hannover, Germany, April 2023), EU Clusters Talks (Berlin, Germany, June 2023), and the European Cluster Alliance (Málaga, Spain, on 4-6 of October 2023). |
Training inmates for private industries induction |
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Delivering its first course in 'Technical Drawing' has been another priority of the STEP2LAB project. The purpose of this training course is to provide participants with a foundation to comprehend the field’s terminology, standards, and the fundamentals of reading, and interpreting 2D designs. The course includes exercises within a self-study environment, where participants can practice the principles of technical drawing.
The Portuguese partner, CENTIMFE, finished this pilot in the past month of July. During the training sessions, the team discovered some very insightful information about experienced difficulties in making the transition from jail to the workforce due to issues like stigma, a lack of support networks, and poor qualifications. The other piloting partners will follow in September, building upon the initial feedback and acquired knowledge. |
STEP2LAB Success Stories
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In the meantime, the consortium has been structuring a catalogue of Case Studies and Success Stories from the STEP2LAB course. This information will work as a promotional and benchmark tool to be disseminated among industry actors, raising awareness among potential employers and investors. We hope that these cases will also empower prison staff to contribute to creating successful stories of how conjoint work can increase society security and inmates' integration.
Further, the project partners are initiating a Training of Trainers to assist training staff in delivering the STEP2LAB ‘Technical Drawing’ course through a b-learning approach. |
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"Employers, I challenge you to embrace diversity! We (individuals previously incarcerated) are talent, just like everyone else (...) consider a person for what they are and what they are capable of, and not necessarily for what they've done."
How to get a job with a criminal record | Zachary Moore, TEDxSanQuentin See more in STEP2LAB's website. |
WHERE TO LEARN MORE
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Stay up to date with the project's progress and outcomes:
Best regards, The STEP2LAB Project Team. |
