In a rapidly changing and ever-evolving employment landscape, skills are not merely an advantage; they are the crucial key to competitiveness and innovation. Yet, a significant number of young people across Europe, known as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), face considerable challenges, often due to limited access to adequate education or a lack of the most in-demand skills.
This is where YouthPioneer steps in. This ambitious project (an ESF+ Social Innovation+ Initiative) recognises the untapped potential of these young individuals and aims to bridge this gap. Our objective is clear: to promote strategic collaboration among local authorities, businesses, and youth organisations to deeply understand the aspirations of young NEETs, enhance their transversal and entrepreneurial skills, and ultimately enable them to play a key role in the contemporary economy. Through targeted pathways, mentoring, and work-based learning, YouthPioneer not only provides support but also empowers young people, actively involving them in designing innovative solutions for the business world.
The YouthPioneer project brought to Palermo on October 2nd an afternoon dedicated to connecting NEET youth, Employment Centres, and local businesses, with the aim of transforming information into concrete opportunities for job placement.
The event saw the participation of young people eager to approach the world of work, who were able to interact with experts and local companies, discovering concrete career opportunities. In particular, the focus was on creating a direct dialogue between participants and professional realities, increasing awareness of the local labour market and promoting the meeting between supply and demand.
The opening was curated by the project coordinator who recalled the objectives and stages of the project. During the plenary session, an official responsible for the Employment Center of Sciacca, Ribera and Menfi and a service officer from the Employment Center of Palermo and Monreale provided an overview of the local labor market and practical guidance for job seekers. The second part of the event was characterized by the job fair, which saw the participation of numerous local companies, including Associazione Idea, O.T.R., A.P.A., Lizard Pub, Moltivolti, contributing to generating tangible opportunities for internships and employment. At the same time, the job interview simulation desk allowed young people to improve their preparation and emotional management in view of professional challenges.
The event represented a decisive moment in the YouthPioneer journey, confirming the project’s commitment to providing NEET youth with concrete resources to face the labour market with greater awareness and preparation. It promoted direct contact between young people, companies, and Sicilian Employment Centres, generating real opportunities for internships and employment and strengthening the territorial network between CESIE ETS and entrepreneurial realities. The increase in knowledge of the local market among participants, combined with the creation of lasting professional connections, will give rise to operational paths for job placement. The activities carried out have produced concrete results, improving the employment prospects of the participants and marking only the beginning of a path that will continue with training, internships, and guidance activities, to concretely accompany young people towards the world of work.
Watch the video from YouthPioneer Connect event
Next steps
- November 2025: Assessment and matching of young people and companies
- November/December 2025: Training in soft skills and development of project ideas (approximately 50 hours)
- January 2026: Start of 3-month internships in sectors of interest
- Spring 2026: Workshop on entrepreneurial pitching and career guidance
- By July 2026: Ideas contest and Job & Innovation Forum
About YouthPioneer
YouthPioneer – Forging pathways to labour market integration through project design, mentoring and professional experience is an ESF+ Social Innovation+ Initiative project that aims to promote collaboration with stakeholders to understand the aspirations of NEET youth, improve their transversal and entrepreneurial skills, and enable them to play a key role in the contemporary economy.
Partners
- CESIE ETS (Italy, coordinator)
- Easi – Asociatia European Association For Social Inovation (Romania)
- Grantxpert Consulting Limited (Cyprus)
- iED – Institouto Anaptixis Epicheirimatikotitas Astiki Etaireia (Greece)
- INCOMA – International Consulting And Mobility Agency Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada (Spain)
- Municipality Of Botevgrad (Bulgaria)
For more information
Visit the website youthpioneer.eu
For further information contact Giulia Siino giulia.siino@cesie.org
