Helm Academy SEED

The Helm Academy/SEED initiative aims to bring together people with disabilities with potential employers and has the overall objective of improving labour market inclusion. Helm Academy implements a comprehensive skills development program – Skills Enhancement and Employee Development (SEED) – which is based on the top 10 work skills required for 2020 as defined by the World Economic Forum. SEED is designed both to help prepare candidates to become qualified potential employees and to transform the perception of employers as regards their productivity. Thereby, 100 selected candidates are brought on board as participants, in line with the employer’s specifically defined set of skills. At least 50% are employed in full-time, decent jobs and retained for at least one year. A well-established and barrier-free venue, the Helm Academy, has been put in place and is serving as an inclusive and accessible development centre for people with disabilities. A case study of these positive alternative examples at the respective businesses and of high-calibre employees with disabilities is documented and shared for the purposes of advocacy and stigma reduction.