Intercept Project
About this good practice
INTERCEPT is aimed at unleashing the potential of young people in the green sector.
The project is carrying out research on NEETS (people Not in Education, Employment or Training) and green companies, identifying needs and opportunities in this area: it will select 300 NEETs aged 25-29 in Italy, Malta and Lithuania, train and enroll them in 3-month paid internships in green businesses. This is a pilot experience, so its effectiveness will be tested and evaluated locally. At the end of the project, all the data collected in the 3 local pilots will be used to develop policy recommendations at the European level.
Today's young generation will undoubtedly be the most affected by global climate change. In this context, resorting to investments in a green economy can help secure a just and equitable future that improves people’s lives through the advancement of environmental and social well-being.
To ensure that such transformation is inclusive and sustainable, policy should create solutions which also increase the participation of vulnerable groups, like young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs).
Supporting NEETs to gain the necessary skills and work experience to access jobs in the green sector is an investment with high potential return and a promising tool for social inclusion.
Resources needed
Intercept benefited from a € 2.04M grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment and required 3 PES staff (Management, Outreach, Administration and Job Advisory), in addition to external service providers.
Evidence of success
A total of 242 participants from Malta, Italy, and Lithuania took part in the pilot scheme. Activation rates varied by country: 16.12% in Malta, 18.59% in Italy, and 65.29% in Lithuania. The scheme notably benefited females, with 51.24% female participants compared to 48.76% male participants.
Following the pilot's conclusion, 90 participants found jobs, and 15 engaged in other schemes or training programs.
Potential for learning or transfer
- Flexibility in Program Design: The ability to adapt the program to different contexts was crucial. The flexibility allowed for tailoring the program to the specific needs of Malta, Italy, and Lithuania, accounting for variations in demographics, social, political, and economic factors.
- Motivation Through Green Initiatives: Incorporating green elements into the program significantly motivated both participants and employers. Participants were driven by the idea of contributing to environmental goals, such as ""saving the planet"" or ""fighting climate change,"" which enhanced their engagement and activation.
- Enhanced Employer Attitudes: Employers, initially surprised by being considered part of the green economy, showed improved attitudes and willingness to participate after learning more about the program.
Further information
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