The Welcome Work project, co-funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ programme, aims to improve refugees' access to the construction sector and strengthen professional skills to promote inclusive work environments. To this end, six organisations including the Fundación Laboral de la Construcción, from five European countries — Poland, Spain, Ireland, France and Denmark —, have collaborated for two years to develop resources and tools to promote their integration into the sector.

The materials created offer an introduction to basic knowledge about labour rights, employment opportunities, skills recognition, training and professional development, preparation for selection processes, linguistic and cultural adaptation, as well as other essential aspects of living and working in a new country.

Key project results

• Starter Kit. This is a step-by-step digital guide designed to support the integration of newcomers to the sector. Its latest update, published in October, incorporates practical tools and guidance for vocational training centres, with a holistic approach to the process that should be followed to facilitate refugees' access to the construction industry.
• Good Practice Compendium. Designed primarily for businesses, this resource compiles examples of successful initiatives that facilitate reception. Its purpose is to help create inclusive work environments by better understanding the needs of refugees and offering the necessary support to achieve effective integration into the workplace.
• Welcome Work Mobile Training App. The app, based on a chat support system, provides clear and quick answers to questions about employment, training and adapting to the new work environment. It allows for natural communication in writing or by voice, and provides practical explanations and links to useful tools. Although it is aimed specifically at refugees, it is also useful for teachers, professionals in the sector and organisations that support those entering the construction industry for the first time. Its content covers labour rights, information on the most common jobs, skills recognition, how to write a basic CV, training options and a glossary of sector-specific terms. This resource is available in six languages: Ukrainian, English, Polish, Spanish, Danish and French.

A double challenge

The Welcome Work project addresses both the challenge of integrating refugees and the shortage of skilled labour in construction. The resources created contribute both to expanding employment opportunities and to promoting more equitable and inclusive work environments, strengthening the sector's ability to attract and retain new talent.

Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the granting entity can be held responsible for them.