Pla(i)nVET _Orientation Guide “Your future job”

Aims of the tool

The Pla(i)nVET orientation guide is designed with the primary aim of supporting young learners, particularly those with special needs, in their transition from school to the labor market. More specifically it aims to:

• help young learners with special needs to identify their strengths and preferences, to make informed vocational decisions
• improve the target group's understanding of the VET system, empowering them to make self-determined choices regarding their future careers
• ensure that essential information is accessible and understandable to everyone, including those with learning difficulties, reading difficulties, and non-native speakers by using plain language
• reduce the number of learners who drop out of training programs by addressing language barriers
• promote the development of digital skills among users by encouraging them to interact with the guide online

Description of the tool

This tool is an orientation guide, written in Plain Language that helps young learners with special needs, including those with learning and reading difficulties as well as non-native speakers, to navigate through professional VET orientation.

Content Overview

 Introduction to VET - explains what VET is, its importance, and how it varies across different countries in the European Union
 Self-Assessment - guides users through identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This section includes reflective questions and activities to help users understand their capabilities and preferences
 Goal setting - helps users set realistic and achievable career goals by breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps
 Job application process - provides detailed instructions on how to prepare a job application, including writing a CV and a letter of motivation, and gathering necessary documents such as certificates and references
 Interview preparation - offers practical tips on how to prepare for job interviews, including how to present oneself, answer common questions, and handle interview stress
 Utilizing support systems - informs users about available resources such as job centers and career counselors who can assist them in their job search and career planning

The Pla(i)nVET guide is available in a digital format, allowing users to read it online, download, or print it for convenience. It employs plain language and incorporates elements of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), such as images, photos, pictograms, and objects, to further support understanding and engagement. To enhance user interaction, the guide includes spaces for users to write down their thoughts, answers to reflective questions, and personal goals. Furthermore, it provides activities and examples to help learners apply the information to their own experiences and aspirations, creating a practical and personalized learning experience.

The Guide is available in all partner languages: English, German, Greek, Spanish and Swedish here: https://kultur-life.de/projekte/plainvet

Learning Outcomes

 Users will gain a better understanding of their own strengths, weaknesses, and interests and identify their preferences for potential career paths based on their self-assessment
 Users will learn how to set clear, realistic, and achievable goals, as well as how to break down larger goals into smaller steps to facilitate progress
 Users will be equipped with the skills to write effective CVs and letters of motivation, compile necessary documents and prepare for job applications
 Users will learn how to prepare for job interviews, including researching companies, practicing common interview questions, and managing interview anxiety
 Users will improve their digital skills, including navigating online resources, using digital tools for learning and job applications, and interacting with digital content

This tool was developed in the context of the Erasmus+ funded Project “Pla(i)nVET - Inclusion of young learners with special needs into VET through the use of Plain Language”; ID: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000032996 , which was implemented by a consortium of 5 organizations across Europe and neighboring countries: KulturLife gGmbH (Germany), MOBILIZING EXPERTISE AB (Sweden), ESCUELA PROFESIONAL OTXARKOAGA (Spain), SYNTHESIS (Cyprus), InterAktion (Austria)