TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Aleksandr Post
The main aim of the "Build Your Career" project was to tackle the issue of high youth unemployment rates across Europe, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to equip youth workers, youth leaders, social workers, and others working with job seekers with effective methods, competences, and tools to foster job-searching skills among young people, especially those facing disadvantages (NEETs, youth from underdeveloped areas, immigrant backgrounds).
Specific objectives included:
- Equipping participants with methods and competences through non-formal/informal activities to foster job-searching skills.
- Introducing participants to innovative tools and trends useful in job searching (aligning with the EU Youth Strategy goal of Quality Employment for All).
- Promoting intercultural comprehension and social inclusion.
- Enhancing the capacity of participants and their organizations to cooperate at European/international levels.
The project directly addressed the critical need to combat high youth unemployment (under 25s) in Europe, citing specific high rates in partner countries like Spain, Italy, and North Macedonia. It recognized the necessity for well-informed and trained youth workers who can support young people navigating a rapidly changing labour market, particularly those facing barriers to employment (NEETs, disadvantaged youth). The need was identified through research on unemployment statistics and the shared challenges faced by partner organizations.
The project aligned with the partner organizations' goals by strengthening their capacity to support young people's employability. All partners shared an interest in addressing youth unemployment challenges. The TC provided their staff/volunteers with concrete tools, skills (including digital), and NFE methods applicable to their daily work with young job seekers. It also fostered international cooperation and the exchange of good practices among organizations working in diverse contexts across Europe.
The target group for the Training Course consisted of youth workers, youth leaders, social workers, and individuals working with unemployed people or job seekers (either professionally or voluntarily). The participants were aged between 19 and 30 years old. They were expected to be motivated to develop new competences related to youth employability and committed to transferring their acquired knowledge and skills to young people in their local communities.
The training course involved 20 participants (4 from each country) and 1 trainer, representing 5 countries: Latvia (Applicant), Italy, Spain, The Republic of North Macedonia, and Romania (Partners).
The training course was based on non-formal education (NFE) methodologies, emphasizing cooperative learning, experiential learning, self-directed learning, and shared responsibility. Specific methods included:
- Icebreaker games and team-building activities.
- Role-playing games (e.g., "Crazy Job Interview").
- Guided debates (e.g., "Golden Fish" on youth unemployment).
- SWOT analysis (applied to European labour market).
- Round table discussions (e.g., on Personal Branding).
- Workshops (e.g., writing CVs, cover letters; public speaking; creating video resumes).
- Presentations (e.g., employment agencies on social networks, navigating communication media, EURES).
- Group work and peer feedback.
- Use of SALTO-YOUTH tools (e.g., Our Europe, Steps to Erasmus+ Voyage, Goal Drilling, The Olive Tree).
- Daily evaluation methods (e.g., "Comfy Group").
- Use of digital tools for interaction (Miroboard, Mentimeter, PowerPoint).
The methodology focused on active participation, skill practice, and reflection. Youthpass was used for competence recognition.
The TC aimed for participants to acquire:
- Knowledge: Understanding of the European labour market, personal branding, job search tools (CVs, cover letters, interviews, social media, video CVs, EU instruments like EURES), NFE methods for employability education, Erasmus+ principles.
- Skills: Competence in writing effective job applications, handling interviews, using online tools for job searching/networking, public speaking, creating NFE activities for youth employability, self-promotion, critical thinking, communication (in English related to labour market), teamwork, digital skills.
- Attitudes: Increased confidence, entrepreneurial thinking, proactive approach to career development, enhanced intercultural understanding, motivation to support disadvantaged youth. A key tangible output planned was a "Handbook on Youth Employability through Non-Formal Methods". The project aimed to strengthen the capacity of participating organizations and foster future cooperation.
Success was measured through:
- Daily evaluation activities ("Comfy Group") allowing for participant feedback and program adjustments.
- Final evaluation session assessing the achievement of objectives and overall satisfaction.
- Use of Youthpass for self-assessment and documentation of learning outcomes.
- Evaluation forms submitted by participants at the end of the TC assessing educational impact.
- A final evaluation meeting between partners to review the mobility and plan future initiatives.
- Monitoring of follow-up activities (local workshops, dissemination) conducted by participants.
- Delivering the sessions outlined in the 8-day program, covering topics like European labour market analysis, personal branding, CV/cover letter writing, interview skills, public speaking, NFE tools for employability, and using online/EU resources.
- Facilitating activities using non-formal education methods (simulations, role-plays, group work, SALTO tools, etc.).
- Guiding participants through learning processes and fostering skill development.
- Introducing and supporting the use of Youthpass for competence reflection.
- Adapting session content and timing based on daily evaluations and group needs.
- Providing expertise on youth employability, career development, and NFE methodologies.
- Contributing to the overall positive and productive learning environment of the training course.