The B-WISE (Blueprint for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills in Work Integration Social Enterprises) project aims to develop a European strategy to address skills gaps, especially digital skills, in the Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE) sector.

WISEs provide employment opportunities and on-the-job training for disadvantaged groups who face barriers to the mainstream labor market. By developing the right skills, WISEs empower these workers to reach their full potential.

Recent B-WISE events provided updates on the progress so far:

General Assembly Discusses Implementation and Sustainability, 9 – 10 November 2023

The B-WISE consortium gathered in Paris and online for their General Assembly meeting. Partners discussed implementing training curricula in each country and strategies for certifying the curricula. They also addressed sustainability by planning the exploitation strategy beyond the project’s lifetime.

Research Findings Presented to Academics

B-WISE partners presented research conducted across Europe on the WISEs sector’s role in shaping the labor market. They shared these findings with academics during the 9th EMES International Research Conference on Social Enterprise in Frankfurt.

Comprehensive Report on WISEs Across Europe

A major B-WISE report provides an overview of WISEs across Europe and identifies skills needs in the sector. This will inform the Blueprint, a strategic approach to reinforcing WISEs’ empowering work and tackling digitalization challenges.

What makes the B-WISE report valuable:

• It provides a comprehensive overview of Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) across Europe. This helps understand the landscape and role of WISEs in different countries.
• The report identifies common skills gaps and training needs in the WISE sector, especially relating to digital skills. This will inform strategies to build capacity.
• It analyzes the contributions of WISEs to the labor market and their empowering work with disadvantaged groups. This highlights the social impact of WISEs.
• The findings will shape the upcoming B-WISE Blueprint – a strategic approach to support WISEs across Europe. Having data-driven insights is crucial.
• The report reflects extensive research conducted in 13 countries. The pan-European perspective makes the findings more insightful.
• It engages key stakeholders like policymakers, WISE networks, and academics. This can boost awareness and collaboration around supporting WISEs.

The B-WISE project represents an important step toward equipping WISE workers with the right skills for success.

We at ADV Romania are thrilled to be part of the groundbreaking B-WISE project! Working with partners across Europe has been an enriching experience.

Stay tuned for more updates as this European initiative progresses!