Inclusive education is fundamental to creating resilient societies and economies. Ensuring that all learners, regardless of background or ability, have access to quality education and vocational training is essential for fostering equal opportunities and long-term employability.
As part of the Polish EU Presidency’s commitment to inclusive education, Poland is spearheading initiatives to improve vocational education and training (VET) accessibility for all.
A key project in this endeavour is “Career Without Barriers”, led by the Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute (IBE PIB). Presented at the “Let’s Make Inclusion Happen!” conference in Warsaw, the initiative underscores the importance of equitable learning environments. By enhancing career guidance and vocational education, the project aims to ensure that students, including those with disabilities, are equipped with the skills necessary for a successful transition into the workforce.
Launched in 2023 and running until 2026, “Career Without Barriers” is a EUR 5.9 million initiative funded by the Ministry of National Education. It aligns with the Polish EU Presidency’s broader strategy to strengthen cooperation among EU countries in building inclusive education systems that leave no one behind. The project focuses on empowering students by providing targeted support in career planning, fostering innovative teaching methods, and strengthening engagement between schools, parents, and employers.
Advancing Inclusion in Education and Skills Development
To achieve its objectives and better equip teachers and career counsellors, the project has implemented several core actions:
Training educators and career counsellors to provide high-quality guidance tailored to diverse student needs, including those with disabilities.
Supporting schools in designing and implementing inclusive learning strategies.
Developing educational materials and resources such as lesson plans, guides, webinars, and videos to aid career decision-making.
Progress and milestones
2023: Trained 1,000 teachers and career counsellors, enhancing their ability to support students in career planning.
2024: Expanded to 80 primary schools (which combine primary and lower secondary education), introducing career counselling, innovative teaching methods, and employer collaborations.
2025: Extending to 80 secondary schools, reaching 1,200 students (including those with disabilities), launching 160 student projects, and implementing 160 innovative teaching practices.
2026 and beyond: Further strengthening inclusive career guidance and vocational education across Poland.
A model for inclusive education and career development
The “Career Without Barriers” project is based on a competency and skills model for students’ transition into the labour market, developed by IBE PIB, aligned with the Integrated Skills Strategy and the Council of Europe’s Key Competences Recommendations (2018). This model emphasises:
Self-awareness and career planning
Understanding the world of work
Building interpersonal relationships
Entrepreneurial thinking
Critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
By equipping students with these essential skills, the project enhances their ability to navigate an evolving labour market and contribute meaningfully to society.
Strengthening the EU’s Skills Agenda
“Career Without Barriers” aligns with the EU’s broader skills development, equal opportunities, and lifelong learning priorities. It serves as a model for how tailored career guidance, inclusive training practices, and employer partnerships can foster equal opportunities for all learners.
At the March 2025 conference, education leaders underscored the importance of early intervention in career guidance, collaboration between parents, schools, and industry experts, and ongoing professional development for educators.
State Secretary Joanna Mucha (Ministry of National Education) emphasised that inclusive education is critical for student success, while Maciej Jakubowski (IBE PIB) highlighted the need for evidence-based approaches.
As the Polish EU Presidency continues championing inclusive education, “Career Without Barriers” stands as a testament to the power of targeted support in creating equitable opportunities for all students. By investing in skills development and career guidance, and fostering collaboration among educators, policymakers, and employers, this initiative is helping to shape a more inclusive and resilient future for European education and employment.
