YESVolunteer Genoa Workshop: NEETs & Skills for Jobs

On 26 May 2025, Anci Liguria hosted the third local workshop of the YESVolunteer project at Palazzo Ducale in Genoa. The workshop focused on the transversal skills necessary to facilitate the job placement of NEETs (young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training). It brought together stakeholders to share experiences, best practices, and to co-design solutions aimed at improving youth employability in the region.

Main Focus of the Meeting

The central theme of the workshop was the identification and development of transversal skills that can help NEETs successfully enter the labor market. The event aimed to deepen understanding of the skills employer’s demand, highlight ongoing projects supporting NEETs, and foster collaboration among local authorities, social cooperatives, and youth organizations.

Agenda and Course of the Meeting 

The workshop began with registration and welcoming remarks from key representatives, including the ANCI National Delegate for Civil Service, the Regional Councilor for Youth Policies, and the Director General of Anci Liguria. This was followed by a presentation on the transversal skills needed for NEETs to successfully enter the job market. Field experiences were then shared through presentations on local youth projects, such as “NET FOR YOUTH” and “conNEET!”, highlighting practical approaches to supporting young people during transitional phases. After a lively Q&A session, participants enjoyed a buffet lunch and networking. The afternoon was dedicated to collaborative co-planning tables, where stakeholders worked together to define objectives, target groups, and actions for future initiatives. The meeting concluded with a summary of the day’s outcomes and next steps

Topics Discussed

•    Transversal Skills for NEETs: Flexibility, adaptability, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital skills were identified as key competencies to improve employability. Digital skills were particularly relevant in retail roles, while green skills remain an emerging area.
•    Types of Employment Contracts: Fixed-term contracts dominate youth employment, highlighting structural precarity. Apprenticeships are important for younger workers, while permanent contracts increase with age. Internships and collaborations are common but often precarious.
•    Field Projects:

• NET FOR YOUTH (Mele Municipality): A project co-financed by the Italian government aiming to connect young people to future opportunities through local initiatives.
• conNEET! (City of Genoa): Focused on building confidence and potential in young people during transitional life phases, supported by national youth policy funds.

Co-Planning Tables: Outcomes

Participants engaged in collaborative sessions to define objectives and actions, including:
•    Establishing a time bank, skills certification, and incentive mechanisms (“rewards”).
•    Identifying target groups, particularly young people linked to public assistance organizations.
•    Mapping missions related to personal care services, communication support, and social animation.
•    Coordinating with regional civil service programs offering six months of service in Liguria and six months abroad.
•    Identifying associations involved in regional civil service.

Evaluation and Conclusions

The workshop highlighted the importance of transversal skills in facilitating NEETs’ entry into the workforce and showcased successful local projects. Participants emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to create inclusive opportunities and to address youth employment challenges effectively.

Additional Information

A video summary of the workshop is available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liokDyPrED0&t=71s

For more details, visit the official YESVolunteer project website:
www.interregeurope.eu/yesvolunteer