In a context where professional roles are evolving rapidly, skills are essential for fostering innovation and competitiveness. However, not all young people have had the same opportunities to access adequate education or to develop the skills needed to enter the world of work.
This is why it is important to offer targeted support, particularly to young NEETs – those not in education, employment or training – helping them to overcome difficulties and develop transferable and entrepreneurial skills. These skills are essential for building high-quality career paths and participating actively and meaningfully in the life of their community.
It is against this backdrop that YouthPioneer comes into its own, with a training programme designed to strengthen skills, self-confidence and self-awareness, supporting young NEETs as they enter the world of work.
A programme tailored to participants’ needs
The training programme was structured around two cycles of sessions aimed at two distinct groups. The activities were designed with the specific characteristics and needs of the participants in mind and focused on developing soft skills and project management skills, an entrepreneurial spirit and personal awareness.
The training was complemented by a guided career guidance programme, designed to help participants recognise their own abilities, define their goals and approach decisions regarding their professional future with greater awareness.
Now that this phase has been completed, work-based learning placements are currently being organised, identified in settings aligned with the participants’ interests. These placements will enable participants to consolidate what they have learnt in a practical setting, put their acquired skills into practice and take concrete steps towards realising their ambitions.
A practical and participatory approach
During the training programme, participants had the opportunity to engage with real-life workplace situations and put their skills to the test in realistic contexts.
The training went beyond simply imparting knowledge; it focused on developing practical and transferable skills: from effective communication to time and stress management, right through to work organisation and collaboration within a team.
These are increasingly important skills in the labour market, which demands flexible individuals who are able to adapt to change and make a tangible contribution to their professional environment.
Throughout the programme, participants were supported by experts, who provided constant guidance and opportunities for one-to-one discussions.
Results and feedback
The training programme yielded significant results, not only in terms of the skills acquired, but also in terms of attitude and awareness.
Participants demonstrated greater independence, a clearer understanding of their own abilities and growing confidence in tackling new challenges. These factors will help them enter the world of work with greater awareness and fully realise their potential.
The feedback received confirms the value of the experience; participants expressed enthusiasm for the activities undertaken, maintaining interest and engagement throughout the programme and demonstrating a strong willingness to put themselves to the test.
What happens next?
The training phase concluded in April, but the programme continues with new opportunities designed to consolidate what has been learnt and facilitate entry into the world of work.
Participants will take part in work-based learning experiences, followed by themed workshops and a final competition focused on developing project ideas.
For further information read the project sheet, visit the website youthpioneer.eu or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram or contact giulia.siino@cesie.org
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. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
For further information contact giulia.siino@cesie.org
