Skills+ 3.0: Where talent takes center stage in Europe’s inclusion revolution
Across Europe, a quiet transformation is unfolding. While statistics reveal a stark reality —only 50.8% of people with disabilities are employed compared to 75% of their non-disabled peers— the Skills+ initiative is rewriting this narrative. Born from two successful predecessor projects and fueled by Erasmus+ funding, Skills+ 3.0 has evolved into a continent-wide movement that celebrates ability over limitation. At its heart lies a powerful truth: when people with disabilities showcase their skills in real-world scenarios, perceptions shift, confidence soars, and workplaces transform.
The competitions: More than medals
As detailed on the project’s vibrant hub at skillsplus.eu, national skills competitions across eight countries serve as springboards for the European Championship finale in the Netherlands. This November, Belgium takes center stage: CollectiveUP—a pioneer in tech-driven inclusion—will host a groundbreaking national competition in collaboration with LIGO at their innovative new venue in Aalst. Picture teams of talented individuals with disabilities demonstrating excellence in high-demand fields like IT and retail, their skills evaluated purely on professional merit. These events, unfolding from Athens to Dublin, embody Skills+’s mission: proving ability always triumphs when given a stage.
Tools that bridge the gap
Beyond the spotlight of competition, Skills+ builds lasting infrastructure for inclusion. Sheltered workshops and job coaches use the project’s Digital Manual—a practical guide featured prominently on the website—to prepare candidates for success. Meanwhile, SMEs access a groundbreaking Employer Toolkit with step-by-step accommodation strategies, co-designed through focus groups with 200+ businesses. As the site emphasizes, this isn’t theoretical: over 12 job shadowing placements have already connected competition stars with forward-thinking employers, turning "awareness" into actionable partnerships.
Why this movement matters
The ripple effects are profound. When events like November’s showcase in Aalst spotlight local talent, or a Spanish hotel redesigns kitchens using the toolkit, they prove inclusion drives innovation. The project’s visual identity—its bold red/blue logo echoing across the website and banners—has become a beacon for pan-European solidarity. With national competitions now scaling to engage countries like Ireland and Romania for the first time, Skills+ is building what its website calls "a shared language of ability."
Join us: Be part of the shift
Skills+ thrives through collaboration. Experience the momentum firsthand: Attend the Belgian National Competition in Aalst this November (details will be published soon at https://www.collectiveup.be/events). Employers everywhere can download the free toolkit from the website’s resource section or host life-changing job shadowing experiences. Training centers are invited to nominate candidates for upcoming national competitions using the digital coach materials.
As Liliana Carrillo, Founder of CollectiveUP, reminds us: "Every competition isn’t just about medals—it’s about rewriting futures."
"We don’t want people to be judged on their disability, but on their competences. That’s how real workplaces—and real societies—thrive."
— Theo Grefkens, Senior Project Manager and Founder, Stichting Kenniscentrum Pro Work
Ready to transform inclusion from theory to practice?
Explore competitions, toolkits, and partnership opportunities at www.skillsplus.eu. For direct collaboration, contact info@collectiveup.be or the contact form at pro-work.nl.
Together, we’re building workplaces where talent always shines brightest.
*Co-funded by Erasmus+ • Spanning 8 Countries • 2023-2026*
Skills+ 3.0 is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union (KA220-ADU). Led by Stichting Kenniscentrum Pro Work (NL) with partners across 8 countries including Belgium and CollectiveUP.
