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Sustainable Training for Entrepreneurial and nfEducational Potential

2024-3-PL01-KA153-YOU-0002789212024Mobility of youth workersongoing
Countries: PL|PT|MK|BG|EL|SI|TR|RO|IT|ES|HR · Grant: €41,685.81
Entrepreneurial learning - entrepreneurship educationEqual access and transition to labour marketEmployability

Objectives

The project “Sustainable Training for Entrepreneurial and nfEducational Potential (STEP5)” was implemented to strengthen the professional competences of youth workers in the field of entrepreneurship education and employability, while promoting the quality and innovation of non-formal education practices across Europe. The initiative is part of the broader STEP Hub, a long-term European youth work practice developed over several years, which has consistently supported the sector in the fields of employment, entrepreneurship education and competence development. STEP5 built upon the experience and results of previous editions, consolidating and further expanding a structured approach to empowering youth workers and enhancing their capacity to respond to evolving labour market challenges. Through its continuity, STEP Hub has contributed to the creation of a community of practice among youth organisations, trainers and educators committed to strengthening entrepreneurial learning and social impact within youth work. The project responded to concrete needs identified by the partner organisations, particularly the increasing mismatch between youth competences and labour market demands, the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth employment and wellbeing, and the need to equip youth workers with updated tools to support young people in navigating complex and rapidly changing socio-economic contexts. Furthermore, the project addressed the growing necessity to integrate digital, green and resilient approaches into youth work practices. The main objective of the project was to enhance the capacity of youth workers to design, implement and transfer innovative educational approaches related to entrepreneurship, coaching and competence development. In particular, the project aimed to strengthen transversal competences such as critical thinking, adaptability, initiative, teamwork and problem-solving, which are essential both for youth workers and for the young people they support. Special attention was also given to strengthening facilitation skills, mentoring capacities and the ability to guide young people through personalised learning and career pathways. To achieve these goals, the project was structured around a complementary set of activities, including a Job Shadowing phase, a long-term online Coaching process, and an intensive Training Course (STEP5). This structure ensured a progressive learning pathway, combining observation, reflection, practical application and long-term follow-up. The integration of these phases allowed participants not only to acquire new knowledge but also to test, adapt and internalise it within their own organisational realities. Another key objective was to promote the integration of non-formal education methodologies with structured competence frameworks, such as EntreComp and coaching-based approaches, allowing participants to connect practical youth work experience with strategic educational planning. This contributed to bridging the gap between informal learning environments and more structured competence recognition systems. The project also aimed to foster cross-sectoral cooperation and strengthen European collaboration among partner organisations, building on the established STEP Hub network. This contributed to the exchange of good practices, the development of shared methodologies, and the reinforcement of a common European approach to youth work and employability. In several cases, this cooperation extended beyond the project itself, opening new pathways for future joint initiatives. In addition, the project actively contributed to the horizontal priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme by integrating inclusive practices, promoting environmental sustainability, and making extensive use of digital tools to support learning and cooperation. Particular attention was given to participation, ensuring that all involved youth workers could actively contribute to the learning process and decision-making dynamics, thus reinforcing a participatory and empowering learning environment. As a result, the project achieved its initial objectives and also generated extra added value by strengthening long-term cooperation between Organisations, enhancing the professional development of participants, and further consolidating STEP Hub as a recognised and scalable practice in the field of youth work, entrepreneurship and employability at European level. The project contributed to reinforcing the role of youth work as a key driver for social inclusion, active citizenship and sustainable professional development across Europe.

Project partners (11)