Work opportunities for physically challenged people
Telenor Open Mind is a job training programme offering physically disabled people a unique chance for employment. Result: After completing the programme three out of four are offered permanent jobs at Telenor or elsewhere.
Over the past decade, Telenor has enabled more than 120 people with physical disabilities to enter the job market through a two-year empowerment programme.
Training and work experience
About Telenor Open Mind
- A trainee programme for physically challenged people
- Three months of computer training and courses
- 21 months of work experience and training
- Net socio-economic gain: NOK 100 million (SINTEF Research Group)
- 75 per cent get permanent employment after completing the programme
The programme consists of an initial period of computer training and coaching courses to enable the participants to feel more confident and goal-oriented. After this, participants spend 21 months working for Telenor. The trainees work in a variety of departments such as administration, accounting, helpdesk, support, management, surveillance and customer service.
Who can apply?
The Open Mind Programme welcomes applications from people who have some form of physical disability, hearing or vision impairment. Qualifications may range from high school/A Level diplomas to degrees in higher education. The most important requirement is motivation and the desire to work. Admissions to the programme take place 2-4 times per year.
What are the benefits?
All parties benefit from the programme:
- The participants gain work experience and a chance to prove themselves
- Telenor acquires motivated and qualified employees
- Society benefits from having a larger tax-paying population
Telenor Open Mind recruits physically challenged people because we know they are an asset to the company.
"Telenor Open Mind is not about charity, but about adding value to the company," says President and CEO of Telenor, Jon Fredrik Baksaas.
A globally expanding programme
The Norwegian-based programme has already been introduced in Sweden and Malaysia and will soon be launched in Denmark (in 2008). Telenor aims to bring Open Mind to its other operating countries in the near future.
A model used by other companies
The programme has received several awards for its efforts to bring people with physical challenges into permanent employment and has generated interest outside Telenor as well. Open Mind is already exchanging expertise and manpower with outside companies and has put together a training-kit for companies who wish to start similar programmes. We are pleased to participate in a broad effort to recruit people with physical challenges.