EKEK AMEA of THESSALONIKI is a vocational school for people with disabilities who have completed their compulsory education. The school is part of the Manpower Employment Organization, that recently changed its name into Public Employment Services. The main goal of the school is to prepare students for the world of work and also to help all students, so they will acquire knowledge and skills that will enhance their self-confidence and lead them to the conquest of autonomy. The school has modern laboratories equipped with all the necessary means so that students become familiar with the most propriate way in the specialties of Information Technology, agriculture, carpentry, weaving and cutting sewing. Their preparation is followed by their participation in the work centres so that students have the opportunity to be prepared professionally and to be connected with the labour market. Students are preparing for the most contemporary professions with the greatest demand.
Case Studies
Empowering students to mentor their peers to prepare them for work through simulated ‘real work’ environments within school
In this example of good practice the beneficiaries are the students of the IT Department Work Centre. These students are people with a mental disability, aged between 18 and 30. All students have received their four-year basic education and they are now able to undertake tasks with little or no support at all.
How the Agricultural Department prepares students for real work placement
Beneficiaries of this case study were the students of the Working Centre, agricultural with a mild mental disability, aged 18 to 30. Students had the opportunity to get acquainted with professions related to the cultivation and processing of olives as well as the professionals of the field, who gave students the opportunity to work in real working conditions.
How simulating a real work environment within the carpentry department prepares students for future work in industry.
The focus of this study is the familiarization of students within the Carpentry Department, with a moderate learning disability, aged 18 to 30, with real working conditions. This familiarity is achieved by gradually adapting students from small rooms and using of small tools to training in larger spaces with more complex equipment.
