The VI4IS project (Virtual Internships for an Inclusive Society), an Erasmus+ initiative, is dedicated to improving access to internships for young people, particularly those facing fewer opportunities in formal and non-formal education systems. This project spans Serbia, North Macedonia, Spain, and Italy, aiming to positively impact youth engagement, educational access, and employability. From comprehensive consultations to the evaluation of virtual internships, VI4IS promotes knowledge exchange and structured dialogue involving youth, organizations, and decision-makers.
In May 2024, JA Europe, hosted an impactful series of events as part of the project. JA Europe is committed to supporting young people on their journey to employment, with a special focus on underserved youth. Through a variety of targeted programmes and partnerships, JA Europe equips young people with the essential skills and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s evolving job market, helping them overcome barriers and unlock their full potential.
The Brussels Event in May 2024 was a milestone for the VI4IS project, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including consortium members, EU representatives, educators, and corporate partners, to discuss the future of virtual internships and youth employment. The key sessions included a Youth-led Discussion with EU Decision Makers and Study Visits to Youth Organizations in Brussels.
The Brussels Event aimed to facilitate discussions on how virtual internships can bridge the gap between education and employment, particularly for young people who face challenges in accessing traditional internships. It also sought to promote the exchange of best practices and policy recommendations at both national and EU levels, aligning with the broader objectives of the VI4IS project to improve youth employability and inclusion through innovative internship models.
The event’s highlight was a youth-led open discussion, hosted at Amazone, Brussels, which brought together over 30 participants. This platform facilitated a dynamic exchange between youth representatives, experts, and EU decision-makers on the challenges and opportunities within the realms of youth employment, social inclusion, and the integration of new technologies.
A panel of distinguished speakers took the stage, including:
- Marko Paunovic, CEO and Founder, Out of the Box International
- Veronica Arduino, Project and Policy Coordinator, Lifelong Learning Platform
- Elena Grabul, Senior Advisor, Regional Cooperation Council
- Jelena Spasovic, General Manager, Connect International
- Bojan Kordalov, Senior Communication and Advocacy Specialist, President and Coordinator at IDUEP Institute, Belgium
Discussions covered a wide array of topics. Key issues included:
- The role of digital literacy in youth employability.
- The impact of AI and technological advancements on education and the job market.
- The challenge of brain drain and strategies to retain talent within underserved regions.
- The legal frameworks needed to facilitate greater mobility and easier access to internships and employment across borders, particularly for disadvantaged youth.
Participants actively engaged with the panelists, asking questions, and sharing perspectives on how to create better opportunities for young people. Many personal stories from interns also highlighted the profound impact of internships on their career paths, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between education and employment.
Diana Filip, Deputy CEO and Chief Development Officer at JA Europe underlined the importance of creating positive impacts on youth engagement, education access and employability. Teta Karampini, Programme Manager at JA Europe and responsible for the VI4IS project mentioned that “The discussions in Brussels highlighted the need to take focused action to help young people, especially those from underserved communities. Virtual internships provide a great way to close the gap between education and employment.“
The event continued with two days of study visits to leading Youth Organizations in Brussels. These visits provided consortium members with the opportunity to engage directly with youth-focused groups and exchange best practices for improving education and employment prospects.
OBESSU (Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions)
During their visit to OBESSU, topics such as OBESSU’s advocacy for student rights and explored issues such as the need for fair compensation for internships, the critical role of teachers, and the importance of equal employment opportunities for all students, regardless of background or level of education were discussed.
EVTA (European Vocational Training Association)
At EVTA, the conversation focused on the potential of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in enhancing employment opportunities. Key discussions revolved around the hands-on training approach of VET, which equips students with practical skills for the job market, and the importance of changing perceptions of VET as an undervalued educational pathway.
ESU (European Students’ Union)
The visit to ESU centered on the challenges faced by students, particularly those at risk such as refugees. Discussions covered the importance of mental health support within education, strategies for alleviating the financial burden of education, and how initiatives like Erasmus+ can foster student mobility and enrich educational experiences.
The final study visit took place at YMCA Europe, where discussions focused on digital literacy and ensuring that underserved youth have access to the skills needed in today’s digital world. The team also explored broader topics such as the importance of education in leadership development and strategies for supporting young people’s meaningful contributions to society.
