As a VET teacher myself, I understand we’re always looking for shortcuts. What can I introduce into a lesson that doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare, but it is useful for both myself and the learners. Our DysInEduProWork project has developed a treasure trove of resources designed to empower neurodivergent individuals and help them transition smoothly from vocational education to the workforce. The best part? Many of these tools are ready to use right now, and they’re incredibly easy to incorporate into your teaching practice. Let’s dive in!
Why These Tools Matter
Neurodivergent learners, including those with specific learning difficulties (SLDs) like dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, often face unique challenges in both education and the workplace. These tools are designed to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and provide practical support. By using them, you’re not just teaching—you’re creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
Job Selection and Progress Tool
Now, as a VET teacher of many years, I can tell you that my auto mechanics love cars so much, I think that diesel runs through their veins. But, if I talk to my car painters, they seem less sure about their future prospects. Therefore, a job selection tool is a great way to encourage learners to explore new options. I wouldn’t push it as a means to change or leave their current course of studies, but definitely as a way to consider future career trajectories.
Goal setting: Integrate it into your lesson plans to teach students how to set and achieve career-related goals.
Try out the quiz for yourself here:
https://dysineduprowork.eu/job-search-tool/
Self-Assessment Tool
Our students generally study in Estonia for 3 years. Within those three years, they have 2 or 3 internships. These apprenticeships are vital to working on their skills. But once they are preparing to leave school, it becomes a question of how ready are they to search for jobs, leverage connections, be interviewed, and hand over a ready-to-see CV. The tool itself is a short assessment to see how ready these skills may be.
Mock interviews: Pair the tool with role-playing exercises to build confidence and prepare students for real-world job searches.
CV Preparation: Use a tool like Europass, to help students create great CVs for the next step in their work life, after graduation.
Take a look for yourself here:
https://dysineduprowork.eu/self-assessment-tool/
Digital Toolbox
I once had a student who wrote every word phonetically – as he was in my EFL class, and because English is not a transparent language, you can imagine that nearly every word was spelt wrong. It would have been a huge uphill battle to fix his spelling; so instead I used digital tools. It was as simple as no one having asked him to use the tools that were already freely available. Once he started using the tools, his spelling on assignments became almost instantly perfect.
In class: Have students explore the toolkit, and see which programs they already know or would find useful. Remember these tools are for everyone! Not just people with difficulties.
For assignments: Share specific tools with students to help them complete tasks independently.
Take a look for yourself here:
https://dysineduprowork.eu/toolbox/
Fiches About Learning Disorders in the Workplace
What’s in it? Easy-to-read guides that explain specific learning disorders and how they manifest in the workplace.
As a teacher we often come across students who have one or more SLD. With these glossary-style handouts, it can be a great quick reference. We may even remember what students have difficulty with, but the guide also points out how we can accommodate.
These handouts will be on our website soon! Along with an employer guide. In the meantime you can see the employee’s best practices booklet for lots of great information students may find helpful for their career journey’s.
A course within a course!
And finally we come to the online course. Integrating some or all of the sections of our free online course is an excellent way to help students feel prepared for the workplace. At our own school we have different classes, including a skills readiness group. So if you feel there isn’t a place for a whole course in your class, I might suggest sharing the course with other teachers who are looking for new and ready-to-go materials!
Check out the course for yourself here:
https://edukacio.com/courses/dysineduprowork/
It is free to enroll, and you can click around the various modules to see what may be the most useful for your classroom or school’s needs.
