Strømmen is a generally orientated educational offer of education and vocational training. This is seen in a context with education and training in social areas, and with regard to housing. The offer is directed towards young people between the ages of 17 and 25 with general or specific learning disabilities. 

Strømmen is an independent institution founded by Randers Kommune and the organisation Jysk Børneforsorg/Fredehjem. 

Strømmen was founded in the beginning of 1999 (then Randers Bo- og Erhvervstræning) by Jysk børneforsorg/Fredehjem in co-operation with Randers Kommune. 

The social housing and vocational training offer is for young people who have difficulties getting on in the established educational system, among other things, because of their learning disabilities. 

The Training

The educational courses are planned individually and often consist of both vocational support and in-house support. 

Strømmen has 46 in-house places in the 2 residence halls in Strømmen and Adelgade. Furthermore, we have 5 halfway houses, a club and common rooms. A housing and vocational course in one of the residence halls typically lasts between 2 and 3 years. Strømmen also offers aid with regard to housing, and/or vocational courses for young people who live on their own. 

Social and in-house training

Training in the skills, necessary to be able to live alone later, will take place with the in-house halls of residence in Adelgade and Strømmen as a starting point. This education/training includes areas such as cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene and finances. 

Furthermore, the in-house training has a social aspect where the young person becomes a part of a community. He or she learns how to live with others, to show consideration for others, to spend his or her spare time in a good way, and generally to be able to get on, on his or her own. 

Generally orientated

It is essential for our trainees that the work done is generally orientated, which means that job and in-house training must be seen as a whole. The experiences from the in-house training can therefore be applied to the job orientated area and vice versa. This is why the courses are co-ordinated with regard to the actual competences of the trainees. Among other things, this means that new trainees may begin the vocational course on a part time basis, or that, on admittance, other special conditions are agreed upon. 

Vocational training 

The vocational course is arranged for each individual trainee. The course is based on the interests and skills of the young person, and also on the area in which the individual person would like to be occupied. Through guidance, and conversations with the trainee through the practical in-house training, and interpersonal relations in everyday life, we will narrow down the area in which the young person is motivated to work. Often the young person wants to work in a particular area, for example kitchen, warehouse or shop. The task is then to find the exact work area that can match the wishes and competences of the young person. 

Procedure

The trainee and the educational counsellor will point out possible work places, which the counsellor then contacts with a view to a job interview for the young person. The trainee and the work place will then be introduced to each other, and a possible trainee agreement will be drawn up. The first month will always be a trial period, and both parties have the opportunity to back out. During the vocational course the educational counsellor follows the young person closely, and there will be a close co-operation with the employer. It will often be necessary to test various vocational experiences, in order to give the young person the best possible foundation for finding the right job/field. 

Apprenticeship and mentor course 

In the work place the young person will often be attached to one particular contact/mentor. This ”mentor” instructs and follows up on the tasks. He or she is also the one who the young person contacts with regard to questions and possible problems. The young person works on equal terms with the other employees in the work place and will follow the existing rules and routines. The vocational course can be supplemented with specific training/education, like for example in vocational school (truck driver’s certificate, foodstuffs, etc.) These courses will be co-ordinated and introduced by the educational counsellor, and in these courses particular considerations will often have to be made for the young person’s ability to understand new specific knowledge. 

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