After two years of collaborative efforts, the Virtual Internships for Inclusive Societies (VI4IS) project has successfully concluded, demonstrating the significant impact of virtual internships in enhancing opportunities for young people, particularly those from underserved communities in Serbia, North Macedonia, Spain, and Italy. The project is a collaborative effort involving several partners, JA Europe, Belgrade Open School (BOS), JA Serbia, XANO Channel, Pixel, and the National Youth Council of Macedonia. Co-funded by the European Union, this initiative sought to bridge the geographical and socio-economic barriers that often limit youth participation in meaningful internship experiences. Throughout the project, a total of 165 participants benefited from this innovative program, which has laid a strong foundation for future endeavors in youth employability.
Participating countries engaged in various activities, including National Fora and Structured Dialogues. These collaborative platforms brought together key stakeholders—such as educational institutions, employers, local organizations, and students—to exchange insights, identify local needs, and assess the current state of both formal and non-formal education systems related to virtual internships. This engagement fostered a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present in each country. To further enhance this dialogue, a European Forum on Youth Employability was organized, focusing on best practices and innovative strategies for improving youth employability across the continent. Additionally, the EU Event in Brussels stood out as one of the project’s highlights, providing an invaluable opportunity for participants to showcase their experiences and findings while engaging in meaningful discussions with European policymakers and industry leaders.
Each participating country faced its own set of challenges and opportunities, leading to valuable insights and tailored solutions. In Serbia, the virtual internship model allowed students to participate irrespective of their geographical location. Although access to technical resources varied, interns exhibited remarkable motivation and adaptability. The focus on digital skill development proved especially beneficial, underscoring the importance of ongoing mentorship and support in navigating the remote work landscape.
In North Macedonia, the project encountered challenges such as high dropout rates linked to technical issues and a lack of remuneration. Nevertheless, it successfully prioritized young people under 30 from rural backgrounds, highlighting the need for financial incentives and improved digital tools to enhance engagement. This commitment to inclusivity ensured that valuable internship experiences were delivered to those who needed them most.
Meanwhile, Spain emphasized flexible and work-relevant internship experiences. Collaboration among universities, tech companies, and vocational training institutions enriched the learning environment for interns. While challenges related to technological accessibility persisted, participants reported significant improvements in digital skills, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities—critical competencies for success in today’s workforce.
In Italy, a hybrid internship model blending online and in-person activities was adopted, particularly in the agri-food sector. This approach addressed concerns from companies about virtual formats and fostered a supportive learning environment for interns. Feedback indicated that participants appreciated the balance between remote and face-to-face interactions, enriching their overall experience.
Building on the success of the VI4IS project, we are now focusing on developing comprehensive policy recommendations to further enhance the quality and accessibility of virtual internships across Europe. These recommendations aim to address key challenges, such as technological accessibility, inclusivity, and effective mentoring, which were identified during the project. By advocating for improved technological infrastructure, stronger integration with educational systems, and expanded opportunities in emerging sectors, we seek to establish a more inclusive and structured framework for virtual internships. These efforts will not only benefit youth employability but also ensure that virtual internships are recognized as valuable components of education and workforce development.
In summary, the VI4IS project has successfully demonstrated the transformative potential of virtual internships in promoting inclusivity and enhancing youth employability across Europe.
By addressing barriers and fostering meaningful learning experiences, the project has laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at empowering underserved youth. The lessons learned and insights gained will continue to inform efforts to create a more inclusive internship ecosystem, ensuring that all young people, especially those from VET schools and rural areas, have access to the skills and experiences necessary for their success.
