Helping NEETs Succeed: Training Workshop in Vilnius
On May 6-7 2025, the Lithuanian Employment Service hosted an impactful International Training Workshop (ITW) under the atWork4NEETs project, bringing together stakeholders from across Europe to tackle the pressing issue of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Held at the Grand Hotel Vilnius and the Vilnius Regional Career Center, the two-day event focused on Work Exposure, Follow-up Services, and aligning NEETs’ skills with labor market demands.
Setting the Stage
The workshop opened with welcoming remarks and presentations on Lithuania’s national efforts, including internships in public institutions, which are proving to be effective springboards for NEETs transitioning into the workforce.
Participants were also introduced to a keynote by Zane Čulkstēna from Latvia, who highlighted innovative strategies for matching young people's skills to evolving market needs.
Sharing Practical Solutions
Interactive workshops and panel discussions showcased a wide array of initiatives from across Europe.
Some of the practices discussed are Romania’s “Future for Young NEETs”, which provided training, mentoring, and job support and Slovenia’s “Nefiks Career Bus” that offered mobile career guidance, while Luxembourg presented an integrated strategy through JobElo Programme and the Employment Initiation Contract (CIE). Moreover, JobPlus from Malta presented “Project ALMAlta”, which is focused on mobility and life skills, Croatian PES introduced the Career Development and Self-Assessment Portal and the Voucher-Based Adult Education Scheme, while Lithuania’s PES showcased the “Youth Voluntary Service”, a 6-month volunteer program. Finally, Tuscan PES (Italy) presented “Quality Internships in Tuscany Today”, a programme focused on an internship method to reduce the gap between training and the labour market and Fondazione Caritas Firenze presented “Go Future”, a practice focused on orientation, active citizenship, and work exposure.
More practices were shared and together evaluated by the project's countries.
Learning Through Immersion
Day two featured a visit to the Vilnius Regional Career Center, where attendees explored career guidance tools and participated in a hands-on workshop introducing a new Career Guidance Tool designed to assist professionals working with NEETs. These practical sessions underlined the importance of both digital resources and personalized support.
Looking Forward
The workshop concluded with a Project Management Meeting, allowing partners to evaluate ongoing activities and align on future goals. As highlighted by multiple speakers, successful NEET support hinges on holistic, collaborative strategies that blend skill development, emotional support, and market insight.
By bridging policy, practice, and innovation, the Vilnius ITW reaffirmed the atWork4NEETs project’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable pathways for youth integration into the labor market.