Building professional skills, independence, and pathways to employment
The Inclusive Vocational Training Program (IVTP) provides career guidance and adapted vocational training for adolescents and young adults with special educational needs.
Participants develop practical skills in real college and partner-organization settings. They learn to work in a group, follow instructions, organize their workspace, and complete step-by-step work tasks. The training is free of charge, delivered in small groups, and supported by qualified specialists.
Why the project was created
After leaving school, many adolescents and young adults with special educational needs face significant barriers to continuing their education or finding employment. Mainstream educational programs do not always accommodate their learning pace, need for visual instructions, tutor support, or gradual adaptation to a professional environment.
As a result, young people may remain without education, vocational skills, or opportunities to build an independent life for many years.
The IVTP creates a structured pathway:
career guidance → college-based training → internship → employment
Who the project is for
The IVTP is designed for adolescents and young adults with special educational needs, including:
- students in Grades 9–11 and school graduates;
- young people with autism;
- young people with developmental or speech and language delays;
- young people with intellectual disabilities;
- young people with Down syndrome;
- young people with communication and social interaction difficulties;
- participants with other developmental needs.
Selection takes into account each participant’s interests, level of independence, individual abilities, and support needs.
Training areas
Training areas are selected based on participants’ interests, available college facilities, and labor-market needs.
The project has already delivered training in the following areas:
- cooking;
- confectionery;
- baking;
- sewing and fashion design;
- arts and crafts;
- 3D visualization.
The range of vocational areas may be expanded through cooperation with colleges and employers.
How the training is organized
Classes are conducted at colleges and partner vocational training sites.
The program includes:
- training in small groups;
- a strong focus on practical learning;
- tutor support;
- methodological support from a behavioral analyst;
- adaptation of training programs;
- visual schedules, checklists, and step-by-step instructions;
- development of vocational, communication, and daily living skills;
- regular monitoring of each participant’s progress;
- cooperation with parents and teachers.
The training helps participants gradually adapt to a college environment, develop skills in their chosen vocational area, and prepare for the next stage: college admission, an internship, or employment.
Project geography
The Inclusive Vocational Training Program has been implemented by the Bolashak Charity Public Foundation since 2024.
The program has already been delivered in four cities in Kazakhstan:
Astana, Karaganda, Uralsk, and Atyrau.
Training in Astana, Karaganda, and Uralsk has been completed. Participants in Atyrau will continue their studies until February 2027.
The Foundation plans to expand the program to other regions of Kazakhstan.
Project results
Since 2024, the project has achieved the following results:
133 participants
Adolescents and young adults with special educational needs have taken part in the program.
28 graduates
Enrolled in colleges.
14 participants
Completed internships.
8 graduates
Secured formal employment.
Parents also reported positive changes:
- 90% noted increased confidence and reduced anxiety when participants worked in groups;
- 85% reported greater independence in daily living skills;
- 75% observed improved ability to follow instructions and complete tasks;
- 72% noted fewer communication difficulties.
A participant’s story
One of the project participants was a 29-year-old woman with an intellectual disability. After graduating from school, she spent approximately ten years without further education or employment. According to her mother, she had experienced bullying at school and was therefore afraid to apply to college. At that time, adapted college groups for young people with special educational needs were also unavailable.
After learning about the IVTP, she completed a six-month sewing course. During the program, she became more confident, demonstrated strong progress, successfully completed the training, and developed a genuine interest in continuing her professional development.
The Foundation then arranged a paid internship for her at Max Mara, part of G&G Group, and later supported her admission to a specialized college group.
Her story demonstrates how accessible vocational training and consistent support can help a person return to education, enter employment, and build a more independent future.
Internships and employment
The project does not end when the training course is completed. The Foundation supports graduates in identifying their next educational or employment pathway and works with colleges and employers.
Possible pathways include:
- admission to a specialized or inclusive college group;
- work-based training;
- a paid internship;
- supported employment;
- continued development of vocational skills.
One of the project’s key development areas is a supported employment model. Under this approach, graduates receive assistance while adapting to the workplace, performing their duties, and communicating with colleagues.
Project partners
The project is implemented with the participation of government institutions, educational organizations, and business partners.
Partners have included:
the Akimat of Astana, Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund JSC, Tengizchevroil LLP, NAK, Orda Invest, Kunde Social Café, Crêpe Café, Lion Atelier, Royal Catering, Buro Architecture & Design, Hilton, the TaTa Inclusive Bakery, the Al-Farabi Schoolchildren’s Palace, the Selo Lesnoye dairy brand, and other organizations.
Partners contribute to participant training, provide professional expertise and practical training sites, organize internships, and create opportunities for further employment.
How to support the project
Support for the Inclusive Vocational Training Program can help to:
- open a new IVTP group;
- finance participant training;
- provide tutor and behavioral analyst support;
- prepare an adapted training site;
- purchase workwear and training materials;
- organize internships;
- create supported employment opportunities for graduates.
Companies can become partners of a specific training group, vocational area, or regional IVTP.
Every new Inclusive Vocational Training Program gives adolescents and young adults with special educational needs an opportunity to gain vocational skills, become more independent, and take their first step toward employment.
