“Individualized Training in Acquiring New Skills and Raising Employment Competences – INSIGHT”

Final Project Brochure

WP1: Coordination and Management

WP6: Dissemination and Exploitation of Results

WP7: Quality Management

This is the final brochure from the INSIGHT project, whose 7 partner organisations from 7

European countries worked on developing the INSIGHT training kit aimed at the vulnerable

groups on the labour market.

INSIGHT main aim is to provide integrated support, tailored for the most disadvantaged

groups of unemployed in the context of global economic crisis through the development of an

innovative integrated training tool, in order to increase motivation and self-awareness, create

incentives for acquiring the new competencies demanded on the labour market, improve job

searching competencies and thus promoting efficient reintegration of unemployed into the

labour market.

We hope that in this brochure you will find inspiration, ideas and tools that you can use to

increase your employment competences in order to find a suitable job or will help you to

consult others who are searching for a job.

The implementation of the project went through the following steps:

WP2: Analyses and Report on new skill needs

WP3: Development of pilot version of INSIGHT tool

WP4: Pilot testing of the developed training tool

WP5: Refinement and finalization of INSIGHT tool

The project activities have been coordinated and conveyed on regular project meetings held in differ partner country each time. The communication and implementation of the activities between the meetings have been carried out through vivid e-mail communication and online conference talks.

1st Project Meeting

The INSIGHT Kick-off Meeting was held on November 21-22, 2011 in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event started with the presentations of the project partners’ organizations, their activities and field of interest. The participants were further introduced to the idea of the INSIGHT project, work packages, project management, monitoring and communication. In addition, the labour market and the available trainings for unemployed were discussed.

Project Meetings

2nd Project Meeting The Second Partnership Meeting of the INSIGHT project took place on April 2-3, 2012 in

Vilnius, Lithuania. The first part of the meeting was mainly focused on the presentation of

results from research and focus groups in each partner country.

The event continued with performing the activities under Work package 3 “Development of

the pilot version of the innovative tool". Furthermore, the forthcoming initiatives on the

INSIGHT project were detailed presented, as partners actively discussed on the conduction of

the actions, the structure and content of the web-site, as well as commenting on task

distribution and dissemination activities.

3rd Project Meeting

The Third Partnership Meeting was organized on October 11-12, 2012 in Coimbra,

Portugal.

The main aspects of the partnership debates were related to the presentation of the country

reports regarding legislation in each participant country. Among the priority areas of the

INSIGHT meeting were the web site development and the Interim report preparation. The

partners paid particular attention to the performing of the INSIGHT kit pilot version and

testing.

At the end of the 3rd project event the participants performed the dissemination activities

implemented in each partner country, as well as actively discussed the next meeting date and

tasks distribution.

Th

e

INSIGHT Forth Project Meeting was held on May 27-28, 2013 in Paris, France.

The discussed topics included the pilot testing progress, updates on pilot training courses

with unemployed in the partner countries and presentation on the pilot version interactive

software (web platform). It was also presented the Evaluation Report upon completion of

pilot testing process.

The Meeting gave arena to the demonstration of the INSIGHT project exercises and guide for

use by Partners, unemployed and trainers. The INSIGHT website forum software was also

presented to the participants, as well as a review of the INSIGHT website statistics (as per

project planned project indicators to measure the impact of the project).

4th Project Meeting

5th Project Meeting

The Fifth Partnership Meeting was organized on September 26-27, 2013 in Plymouth, UK. The event was mainly directed to the partners’ finance update and proof documents for the final reporting, as well as discussion on ensuring the sustainability of the project results and outcomes.

An overview of the activities carried out after the Fourth Project Meeting was also made, i.e. Work package 4 review: Refinement and finalization of the innovative tool; incorporation of the amendments outlines in pilot testing process.

In the beginning of the project there was a research phase aimed at providing up-to-date and

concrete information and analyses on labour market demand in partner countries in the

following economic sectors – Social work, Administration and Business services, as well as in

other sectors where there is a demand for workforce. Skills need for the potential jobs,

including new emerging ones, in these sectors was analysed and the Top 10 skills searched by

the market were outlined. In order to provide a through and profound picture, all analyses

were based on information obtained in cooperation with project stakeholders – research

organizations, social and economic partners, enterprises, labour offices, HR specialists, Public

authorities. Thus in all partner countries Focus Group interviews were conducted which

resulted in a report on the Top 10 skills needed for employment in particular sector. The

focus group interviews took place in the period between 1st February, 2012 and 10th May

2012.

In BULGARIA European Quality Centre LTD. Implemented 2 focus group researches in the

spheres of Administration and Social work, where participated representatives from Higher

schools, Universities, Representatives from Trade Unions, Private companies. As a result from

the interviews the main defined employment competences were Presentation, Analytical

thinking, Team work, Client service, Professional, Presentational, Communicational, Problem

solving, Team work, ITC, Foreign language competences.

In the UNITED KINGDOM Euro-partnerships Agency Ltd. implemented Focus group

interview with 8 interviewees from Local business associations, Representatives of

supermarkets, Trade Unions and representatives of private companies. The main defined

employment competences were Personal competence, Professional Competence,

Communicational Competence, Organizational Competence, Financial Competence,

Mathematical competences, Planning competences, Social Competences, Initiatives

(Enthusiastic skills).

In HUNGARY a Hungarian private organization implemented focus interviews with 12

participants from different social partners of financial, administrative and social work sectors

(Representatives of supermarkets, Trade Unions and representatives of private companies).

The main defined employment competences were Ability to collect completely and right labor

market information, Ability to represent self-competences, ABILITY TO preapare documents

for the interview, ability to demonstrate/express the professional and specific knowledge,

experience, and practical skills, Communication skills, Ability to choose the appropriate

appearance and behaviour, decisiveness and Ability to rank by priority, Ability to work in

Project Research Phase

group, Ability to represent expertize in foreign languages and IT, ability to represent personal

attitudes.

In LITHUANIA VIKO implemented focus group interviewees inviting 15 participants from

business, administrative and social work sectors: representatives of Professional training

institutions; private enterprises, Youth center of Labour exchange, Vilniaus

kolegija/University of Applied Sciences Carrier Center. The main defined employment

competences during this focus group were: Creativity, Personal, Initiativeness, Learning,

Document management, Communicational, Information management, Representational,

Social competencies.

In PORTUGAL IEBA implemented interviews with 10 persons from different organizations

like associations, Private companies, and public bodies (Social Economy Institution, Local

Development Association, Private Company: Consultancy and Expertise Services, Agriculture

Cooperative). The interview results defined the main employment competences like

Professional, Personal, Linguistic, ITC.

In ICELAND MSS implemented focus group interview with 19 employers mostly from such

organization like Play-school, senior service organizations, Youth work organizations, Fish

processing factories, Retail Rehabilitation area. The main competences outlined during this

focus group were Good preparation of documents, Presence and self-esteem, general and

while being job-interviewed , Communicability, Self-consciousness, General and practical

knowledge and skills, Pro-activity and independency, General abilities concerns with

knowledge search Language skill, Attitudes when comes to the labor market, Experience

when comes to the labor market.

As a result from the discussions in all the focus groups a list of the Top skills required in the targeted sectors Social work, Administration and Business services was outlined:

COMPETENCY DESCRIPTION OF COMPETENCIES

ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS SERVICE

SOCIAL WORK

UK BG PT FR LT IC HU UK BG PT FR LT IC HU

1. Creativity Ability to react to challenges and solve problems creatively, be innovative by giving new ideas, find innovative ways for problem solving, react and adapt to difficulties and unexpected situations.

x x x x x x x x

2. Personal Ability to show cooperation, commitment, independence and efficiency.

x x x x x x x x

3. Social Ability to communicate adequately, make decisions, solve problems, interact with others positively.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

4. Initiative Ability to demonstrate proactive behavior and quick orientation in a particular situation, ability to propose different solutions for problem solving and decision making, take responsibility in difficult situations.

x x x x x x x

5. Informational management

Ability to collect, select, justify and use information adequately and efficiently.

x x x x x x x x x x

6. Representational Ability to speak, behave and deliver presentations in accordance with the rules of etiquette, protocol and context.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

7. Communicational Ability to communicate adequately, express thoughts correctly orally and in writing.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

8. Self-Analysis Ability to analyze one’s own characteristics (attitudes, abilities,

knowledge, achievements, shortages). x x x x x x x

9. Professional Ability to demonstrate adequate professional background in a particular work position.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

10. Learning Ability to analyze one’s own learning needs and create a learning process, desire to promote and adapt to changes and new processes, ability to learn and remember new things and be updated.

x x x x x x

11. Document management

Ability to prepare/send a CV, write/send an application/motivation letter, submit references, choose adequate tools to search and send documents, and use the Internet and digital office productivity tools.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

12. SWOT analysis of carrier pathways

Ability to identify and differentiate possible carrier pathways, analyze one’s own strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

x x x x x x x x

13. Foreign language Ability to understand, speak and write in one or more foreign languages.

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

14. Intercultural Ability to deal with intercultural issues, such as working in an intercultural team or environment.

x x x x x x x x x x x x

After the research phase of the project was completed, the partners directed their efforts

towards transferring and adapting the training material from the previous project

“Interactive personal training and enhancement of employment competence – JobTool” with

regard to the newly made research on the top skills required by the labour market.

A report on the innovative content development and adaptation was developed in

cooperation between all partners containing the structure, content, modules and topics to be

upgraded by the new tool based on researches conducted in the previous phase.

The training materials developed under the INSIGHT project reflected the partner country

differences in terms of legislation, policies and labour market demand. As a result from the

work in this stage a “Handbook for unemployed”, a “Guide for trainers of unemployed” as

well as an interactive software product were developed.

INSIGHT training comprises two main paths:

1. Individual Path, which includes the individual action plan, counselling sessions and

self-paced training using the e-learning elements.

2. Group Path, which includes group meetings and group trainings.

The four main steps of the training course include:

1. Search and Apply for a Job

2. Preparation for a Job Interview

3. Job Interview

4. First Day of Employment

Pilot version of INSIGHT kit

Development of INSIGHT training kit

The main aim of this phase of the project was to enable the development of the final

version of all training materials that will be used for the web-site, DVD, Handbook and

Guide. This aim was achieved through the conduction of INSIGHT training courses in each

partner country, followed by an evaluation workshop in the respective country with the

trainers, trainees and interested parties.

Pilot course in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria the pilot training course took place in the period 13-05-2013 - 07.06.2013. A

total of 19 people took part in the course supported by 2 consultants. The unemployed

learners from the risk groups have showed great interest towards the topics, they took active part

in the exercises and have expressed their opinions freely during the discussions. They were

asking questions and seeking guidance in regard with participation in upcoming job interviews of

two of the participants in the course.

All of the participants shared the opinion that they feel more confident in their skills and

knowledge after the INSIGHT course; that they have gained better understanding of their

place in the labour market after the INSIGHT course and have felt more aware of their

career opportunities.

Pilot testing

Pilot course in Hungary

In Hungary the INSIGHT pilot testing started with a small scale conference on 22nd

April 2013

with more than 25 participants - stakeholders, consultant agencies, HR specialist, Labour officies

and representatives from the target sector – in order to promote the training material and draw

attention to the pilot testing implementation.

In the beginning of the implementation of the pilot testing on 3rd

May 2013 an informal

session was organized with 26 participants – unemployed and stakeholders – who got an

overall insight to the project. The implementation phase started on the 13th

May 2013 and

ended on 19th

June 2013. All in all 21 unemployed finished the course and acquired the

official certificate.

Pilot course in Portugal

In the pilot course in Portugal 12 people have taken part. The feedback was very positive,

the course general structure with 35 hours is balanced, adequately conceived and adapted to

target group needs. Course objectives, contents and exercises were considered relevant and suit

the needs of the target groups.

Comments by participants:

"The training programme and the involved trainers supported trainees in defining their profiles,

focus on their competences and strong points, motivated to develop further weak points and have

a more accurate and real perception of labour market context reality and trends."

“In the end of the training programme trainees have more deep self-knowledge and self-

confidence."

"Unemployment is a situation that makes people more fragile, the participation in the training

programme strengths the participants and supports them during that period."

Pilot course in Lithuania

Pilot testing was held in Vilniaus kolegija/ University of Applied Sciences in Lithuania. 2

trainers, selected to conduct the training courses, had relevant professional experience and

qualification in the work and training of unemployed. 20 volunteers took part in the course.

As a positive thing participants mentioned a clear outcome at the end of the training course:

prepared CV, motivation letter, prepared a short self- introduction and participated in a job

interview, answered various questions (general, purposeful, provocative), as well as learned

behavioural principles in job searching process and various employment situations, 14 of 20

participants had been employed.

Pilot course in Iceland

In Iceland there were 17 participants in the pilot training course and 15 in the pilot workshop.

There was overall satisfaction with this holistic and practical course where every issue related to

job search is tackled. Giving the participants the chance to have one interview with the trainer

before the real one, was valued as one of the best exercises in the program. It is a practical and

holistic approach which helps job seekers to strengthens their self-esteem when it comes to job

searching.

Pilot course in the United Kingdom

In the end of the training, the participants gave a positive evaluation of the conducted training.

All of them said that the information received as well as the exercises and the comments were

really beneficial. Some of them have shared that they have acquired new knowledge and others

that they recall forgotten techniques for job searching. Some of them said that they felt more

comfortable when doing the exercises on paper, while others said that they prefer the electronic

version. All of them were impressed by the job interview and the questions and guidelines for a

successful performance on it.

Evaluation workshop in France

In France there was no pilot training course, but only an evaluation workshop. It was

attended by 32 people - representatives from Job centers: “pole-emploi”, lectors, students

& personal contacts representatives from "Mission local" : center for helping young

unemployed representatives from Training center guidance “Fongecif”.

The feedback they shared was that the project is interesting and tools are quite

comprehensive. The developed training kit could be very useful as long as people know

how to use a computer. It is difficult to handle it by itself and it is recommended that you

are coached and guided by a trainer.

Final products of INSIGHT project

The final products of the INSIGHT project comprise:

Handbook for jobseekers

The Handbook follows the main steps when searching for a

job. Once you’ve found a job, you need to apply for it - cover

letter, CV and, hopefully, a job interview. We have put it all

together for you so you just need to go through the pages and

practice with the online exercises!

If you know that you want a job but you don’t know what you

want to do - the handbook will also help you.

Furthermore, practical information on Job Application form

and guidance and Europass CV Template and instructions are

provided. The Handbook also covers the most popular

questions asked at job interviews

Individual Action Plan Model is provided as supporting

document in order to outline goals and measure success

towards their achievement.

Guide for trainers of jobseekers

The Guide contains practical advice to the trainers of

unemployed on the individual learning path as well in the

group sessions. A clear amount of counselling and training

hours are provided for each activity and each module

indicating the distribution of hours for presence and e-

learning.

All course modules have a practice-oriented focus by

introducing relevant group activities, case studies, practical

assignments and elements for the individual action plan.

There are methodological notes on how to organize and

conduct the sessions, as well as what examples to provide,

aims and objectives of each exercise and expected learning

outcomes.

All final products of INSIGHT project are available at: www.insight-training.eu

Here you can find information and training materials in all partner languages, namely:

English, Bulgarian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, French, Hungarian and Icelandic.

In case you don’t feel confident in your computer skills, we have prepared a short guide

which to lead you through the site.

The only section which needs registration is the

section with interactive exercises. Here you can

check what you have learned, redo certain

exercises and evaluate your progress.

Promoting project results

Small-scale promotional conference in Lithuania

Small-scale promotional conference in Iceland

Small-scale promotional conference in Bulgaria

Small-scale promotional conference in France

Small-scale promotional conference in Hungary

Small-scale promotional conference in Portugal

Final project conference

The final INSIGHT conference took place on 27th September, 2013 in

Plymouth, United Kingdom.

Among the guests were:

All participants in the UK pilot training courses, who shared their

opinion about the INSIGHT training system and also their experience

during the pilot courses.

Representatives of all project partners, who shared their experience

during the project implementation.

Representatives of different companies — SME and big enterprises.

Media representatives.

With INSIGHT project we hope that we will motivate you and

will help you to find out more about

your knowledge, abilities and skills.

We believe that the new things that you will learn in the course

will make you more self-confident and successful

in your career realisation.

***