The project aimed to upskill and reskill young adults (18-30) by enhancing soft skills like communication, adaptability, and teamwork through interdisciplinary arts. It provided non-formal training, empowering participants to build self-esteem, confidence, and creative talent, aligning with the EU Youth Strategy's goals of fostering employability and inclusion. The integration of arts addressed workforce skill needs and aimed to improve employability. A key objective was the creation of the Arts for Skillyouth Manual (R1), a resource supporting youth workers and young individuals, translated into Greek and Polish. The project also implemented an Online Campaign (R2) to disseminate results and raise awareness of how arts support soft skills development, contributing to the European Skills Agenda by promoting upskilling and reskilling. Transnational cooperation among partner organizations enhanced youth work through arts-based methods. Overall, the project sought to empower youth to identify and develop skills to enhance employability, ensuring continuous personal and professional growth with sustainable, accessible resources.
The European Union designated 2023 as the European Year of Skills, highlighting the importance of enhancing young adults' competencies to meet evolving societal and labour market demands. The Arts for Soft Skills project addressed this priority by developing the soft skills of youth workers and individuals aged 18 to 30 through focus groups, piloting, and training sessions. Interdisciplinary arts were employed as an innovative approach to nonformal education, focusing on communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Hands-on activities effectively bridged the gaps identified in the needs analysis, equipping participants with transferable skills. The project ensured sustainability through the R1 manual and R2 Online Campaign, which provided accessible resources to youth organisations and stakeholders worldwide. Participants acquired valuable competencies for navigating the 21st century's dynamic workplaces and societal challenges. The knowledge, skills, and tools gained through the project advanced their career prospects while aligning with the European Year of Skills' goal of fostering a skilled, adaptable, and competitive workforce.