One-stop shops transform youth employability

CZOR identified that the services that young people were accessing were divided between different organisations so that the service users had to go from one programme to another to get all the skills they needed for employability.

“We had the idea of piloting integrated services based on a one-stop shop for services for young people,” says Vanja Kalaba from CZOR. The approach was successful, with more almost half of the youth involved either getting employed or securing an internship. Then Kalaba was convinced that this model could be expanded into a regional project.

Giving education a regional shot

CZOR was able to take their niche intervention in youth education to a regional level with EU funding. They were joined by organisations in Albania, BiH, Kosovo, and Montenegro in this approach that would eventually increase young people’s chances of getting a job. “We wanted to strengthen organisations by creating a network that would make the actors more recognisable and relevant, supporting them to engage with the government on youth employment and outreach to youth,” says Kalaba from CZOR

The outreach had a special focus on young people with who are not in education, employment, or training. Hundreds of candidates enrolled, hoping to get the required skills after a year-long programme including digital skills and entrepreneurship starter packs.

The partners providing the service have rich expertise including career counselling, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and social media. Now the organisations are putting their strengths together and providing candidates with everything in one place, from sharing their expertise to contacting potential employers.

Sajra Hadžiarapović participated in training provided by the partner organisation in Bosnia and Herzegovina – “Centre for Youth Education” in the town of Travnik. She says that the tailor-made course taught by lecturers specialised in programming and web design addressed gaps in her education. An element that she appreciated even more was the introduction of successful entrepreneurs as guest speakers. “Enrolling in this format of education made me understand the IT sector better, and be able to apply the knowledge in the future,” says Sajra, who hopes that now she stands a better chance of employment.

The consortium of organisations is currently focused on sustainability of its model so that it can become the essential address for encouraging employability amongst young people.