Pons

About the project

PONS is a project for young people aged 16–25 in Boden who are at risk of social exclusion. This may be due to limited education, language barriers or a need for individual support. The project aims to create more pathways to learning, work and financial independence.

The upper secondary school's Introduction Programmes, the municipal employment service and Adult education work together to provide support based on each participant's needs. This may include assessment, health support, workplace learning, vocational courses, orientation courses and SFI Swedish language courses for young people. Participants also have a digital portfolio where their knowledge and progress are documented through micro-credentials.

The project builds on each participant's strengths and their ability to take part in decisions and influence their own situation. The aim is to help more young people succeed in their studies, build confidence in their own abilities and take steps towards work and a more independent life.

What we are doing

Participants receive support and take part in activities tailored to their needs and goals.

The project includes:

• assessing participants' knowledge, needs and circumstances
• support for health, motivation and well-being
• workplace learning and vocational courses
• orientation courses and SFI Swedish language courses for young people
• support and adjustments based on individual needs
• digital portfolios that document skills and competencies
• cooperation between the Introduction Programmes, the Municipal Activity Responsibility (KAA) and Adult Education to create clear pathways forward.

Goals and expected results

The aim is to give more young people better opportunities to study, work and live independently.

The project aims to create more coordinated and flexible pathways to education and work. Support is tailored to young people who are at risk of social exclusion.

The project aims to contribute to:

• greater empowerment, motivation and participation
• better opportunities to learn through support based on individual needs
• opportunities for more young people to try workplace learning and vocational courses
• better documentation and recognition of participants' knowledge and skills
• better cooperation between the Introduction Programmes, the Municipal Activity Responsibility (KAA) and Adult Education
• helping more young people move closer to education, employment and a more independent life.

In the longer term, the aim is to develop ways of working that can become part of the municipality's regular services. This will reduce the risk of young people falling between different services and support systems.

Timeline and current status

The project has recently started and will run until mid-2029.

Funding, collaborations and responsibilities

PONS is a collaboration between Adult education, Björknäsgymnasiet and Jobbcenter. Most of the project's funding comes from the European Social Fund (ESF).