WE - Networks integrating refugees into the regional labour market

The WE programme helps refugees access employment, training and education. It aims to promote labour market integration and strengthen employability over the long term.
To achieve this, the programme funds individual advice and support services for refugees and promotes cooperation between job centres, employment agencies, local authorities, education and training providers, and businesses. Other partners, such as migration advice centres and refugee support organisations, also participate in the networks. The aim is to improve access to employment, training and education and support long-term labour market integration.

Target groups

The programme is aimed at:

• refugees with a temporary residence permit
• people with temporary permission to stay for the duration of their asylum procedure
• people whose deportation has been temporarily suspended, provided they are not subject to an absolute ban on working
• refugees with additional support needs, such as people with disabilities or health conditions resulting from forced migration

Activities

Funding is provided for services that:

• improve access to employment, training and education
• improve employability and maintain it over the long term
• support the transition from school to training or employment
• help people start or return to school and gain school-leaving qualifications
• make it easier to access existing support services
• promote cooperation between job centres, employment agencies, education and training providers, businesses and other stakeholders.

How the programme supports refugees

Examples of activities funded by the programme include:

• employment-related advice and career guidance
• help with accessing mainstream support services and benefits
• individual training
• placements in employment, training or school education
• practical preparation for training and employment in companies
• long-term support, including after starting employment or training
• initial information and advice on further support available, provided through social media

Refugees interested in an activity funded by the programme must contact a WE project directly.

Current projects and locations

WE projects are organised as project partnerships or cooperative arrangements known as networks. They work closely with job centres and employment agencies and involve other local partners. The project list shows where WE projects operate. An interactive map also provides an overview of their regional distribution.

Alongside the local projects, the nationwide online pilot project “Social Media Bridge” provides initial information and referral counselling through social media. It aims in particular to reach people who are difficult to reach through existing local services.