From research to practice: The Outcomes of WP2 of the Green ASC VET Project
How can vocational education and training become more inclusive and better respond to the needs, strengths and aspirations of autistic people?
This question was at the heart of Work Package 2 (WP2) – Competences of Green ASC VET Teachers, led by FPDA (Portugal). Over the course of the project, partners worked together to understand the current situation of vocational education for autistic people, identify the competences needed by professionals, and develop practical resources that can support more inclusive educational and professional pathways. The work was extensive and collaborative. It brought together evidence from research, national contexts and professional experience, as well as the perspectives of autistic people and their families.
From evidence to action
The development of WP2 began with an extensive analysis of the existing situation of VET for autistic people at European and national levels. Partners reviewed legislation, policies, research, educational practices, available resources, assessment approaches and existing models of inclusion. This research provided the foundation for the next stages of the work. To complement the literature and policy review with real-world perspectives, partners carried out surveys, interviews and focus groups across the partner countries.
The response from stakeholders was particularly strong. A total of 277 teachers and VET professionals participated in the surveys, significantly exceeding the initial target of 70 responses. In addition, 219 autistic people and family members contributed their perspectives, compared with an initial target of 140. Focus groups were also organised across all partner countries, bringing together professionals with different backgrounds and levels of experience in autism and vocational education. These were essential: they helped the consortium identify the challenges faced by autistic learners, the strengths and support needs that should be recognised, and the competences that teachers, trainers and other professionals need in order to provide effective and person-centred support. Then, it was possible to work together to transform this evidence into practical and transferable resources.
Four interconnected components
After an extensive process of analysis, consultation and collaborative development, the results of WP2 were structured into four interconnected yet independent components. Each component can be used separately, while together they form a comprehensive support framework for inclusive education and professional development.
1. The S-K-A System
The S-K-A System is grounded in a fundamental principle: all autistic individuals, without exception, should have access to lifelong learning opportunities. The system provides a framework for understanding and supporting the development of autistic learners and employees, recognising their individual strengths, needs and potential. It contributes to a more inclusive approach in which education and training are adapted to the person rather than expecting the person to adapt to a standardised system.
2. Training Programme for Teachers, Trainers and Mentors
The second component is a Training Programme for Teachers, Trainers and Mentors, designed to strengthen the competences of professionals working with autistic learners and employees. The programme includes workshops and a micro-credential, providing opportunities for professionals to develop practical knowledge and skills for inclusive vocational education and workplace contexts. The competences identified through the WP2 research include areas such as individualised instruction, understanding and responding to support needs, behavioural and communication strategies, person-centred approaches, and support during transitions towards employment.
3. Handbook for Teachers, Trainers and Mentors
The Handbook for Teachers, Trainers and Mentors brings together the knowledge and experience generated throughout the work package in a practical and accessible format.
It is intended as a reference tool that professionals can use when planning and delivering educational, training and workplace-related activities with autistic people. The handbook integrates research findings, recommendations, practical strategies and examples, helping teachers, trainers and mentors translate inclusive principles into everyday practice. This handbook was developed in English and translated into Portuguese, Croatian, German, Hungarian and Danish, ensuring that the results can be accessed and used across the project partnership and beyond.
4. Collection of Good Practice Examples
The fourth component is a Collection of 14 Good Practice Examples gathered from the partner countries. These examples demonstrate different approaches to supporting autistic people in educational and professional contexts. They provide concrete inspiration for organisations and professionals looking for effective ways to improve inclusion, create appropriate learning environments and support successful transitions into employment. By bringing together experiences from different national contexts, the collection also highlights the diversity of approaches that can contribute to positive outcomes.
From collaboration to inclusion
WP2 was shaped by a collaborative European process, bringing together the expertise of all project partners and the perspectives of autistic people, their families, VET professionals and other stakeholders. Through research, consultations, focus groups, data collection and continuous feedback and quality assurance, the partners ensured that the final outputs reflected real needs, experiences and challenges across different national contexts.
The four components developed through WP2 – the S-K-A System, the Training Programme, the Handbook and the Collection of Good Practice Examples – are different but complementary pieces of the same goal: building more inclusive pathways from learning to employment. By strengthening the competences of teachers, trainers and mentors and providing practical tools and guidance, WP2 contributes to VET environments where autistic people can learn, develop their potential and participate meaningfully in professional life. The results provide a sustainable foundation for VET professionals, organisations, employers and other stakeholders to continue promoting more inclusive education and employment opportunities for autistic people beyond the lifetime of the project.
Cláudia Gonçalves
Psychologist and project manager at FPDA (Portugal)