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STANDARD 34: Ensure access to vocational training when mainstream classes are not considered in the best interests of the child.

Indicator 34.1: Unaccompanied children should have access to vocational training irrespective of the recognition of their previous education.

  • Additional remarks: The RCD provides that ‘Member State may allow applicants access to vocational training irrespective of whether they have access to the labour market’. This possibility should be taken into account if, after discussion with the unaccompanied children and the representative, the children have other interests, different then the education they followed before.

Indicator 34.2: Specific arrangements are in place for unaccompanied children with special needs.

  • Additional remarks: As an example, unaccompanied children with substantially reduced mobility should not be expected to access vocational training by walking. Alternative vocational training arrangements should be provided in such cases

Good practice with regards to vocational training
It is considered good practice to:

✓ provide for flexible vocational training that includes language classes and cultural orientation, adapted to the specific needs of unaccompanied children;
✓ provide for mentoring programmes with students/employees from various fields, which help unaccompanied children to acquire specific skills;
✓ provide for apprenticeship stages in various fields that help unaccompanied children decide what they want to become;
✓ involve specialised NGOs.