People involvedTwentyfour youngsters with Down syndrome (DS) between 18 and 28 years old, twelve professionals with a well-established experience in the field of education and training of people with learning difficulties and with experience in the youth projects of the Italian Association of People with Down Syndrome (AIPD). Trainees and professionals will come from twelve different AIPD’s branches spread all over Italy.Icaria’s hosting staff is composed by both people with and without DS . Such a project will represent an enriching experience also for them. NeedsPeople with DS are heavily discriminated in experiencing meaningful training opportunities and getting a job. Young people with Down syndrome often encounter difficulties in putting into practice the abilities acquired in their educational paths. The idea is to let them work within a context which can activate, in an enhanced way, what they have learned (professional skills along with their communication and social skills).AimsOverall objective of the project is the successful transition of people with Down syndrome towards adult age. The beneficiaries will have to take their responsibilities in a hierarchical job context and carry out tasks under the direction of a manager with the continuous support of supervisors. They will also have to cope without the help of their family and this fact will represent a major stage in their educational paths. Expected resultsThe twentyfour youngsters with DS are expected to reinforce their autonomy and enrich their cv thanks to a job experience abroad. This fact can contribute to their work placement once back home. Venue and timetableEach of the twelve traineeships will last three weeks and will take place in Barcelona, at the Inout Alberg of Icaria association.