As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive vocational education within the transport and logistics sector, the DiTL project recently highlighted a compelling best practice model during a collaborative exchange at Institut Escola del Treball in Barcelona. The discussion centered on the IFE: Sales and Customer Service Assistant program — a specialized educational pathway designed for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.
The IFE (Itinerari Formatiu Específic) programs in Catalonia represent a progressive model of inclusive education. They aim to equip learners with practical skills and hands-on experience to support both social integration and access to meaningful employment. At the heart of our discussion was the logistics module “Order Preparation and Product Sales”, which leverages experiential learning methodologies to bridge the gap between education and the labor market.
Experiential Learning: Building Real-World Skills
Trainers and stakeholders explored how methods such as project-based learning and real-company simulations provide students with a realistic and supportive environment to develop key professional competencies. These strategies not only reinforce technical skills but also nurture critical soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving — all essential for success in logistics roles.
Collaboration: A Pathway to Employment
A central theme of the exchange was the value of collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and social organizations. These partnerships play a pivotal role in supporting students’ transition from training to employment by creating inclusive work placement opportunities and building awareness among employers of the benefits of a diverse workforce.
Inclusive Pedagogy and Assessment
Equally important was the focus on inclusive teaching practices and adaptable assessment methods. Trainers shared strategies for personalizing instruction to meet individual learning needs, ensuring each student can progress at their own pace and according to their capabilities. These tailored approaches are fundamental to building confidence and competence among learners with intellectual disabilities.
Supporting the DiTL Project Goals
This exchange contributes directly to Activity 3 of Work Package 2 (WP2) of the DiTL (Diversity in Transport and Logistics) project, which aims to enhance training frameworks across Europe to promote greater inclusion of workers with disabilities in the logistics sector. Insights gathered from experienced educators and training providers will inform concrete recommendations for accessible and equitable vocational programs, ensuring that no learner is left behind.
We extend our sincere thanks to Institut Escola del Treball, program coordinators, trainers, and all participants for their dedication to inclusive education and workforce development. Together, we are shaping a more diverse and equitable future for the logistics sector.