As a result of changes in the labor market, in the context of the consequences of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, young people are increasingly faced with a lack of skills that can be useful to them in the process of transition from the education system and inclusion in the labor market. Different training programs for young people are focused on the use of multimedia tools and the Internet. Such models remove the obstacles of geographical distance or financial difficulties, while on the other hand, they reduce costs for employers and companies. However, this type of professional development of young people reduces the possibility of internships, advancement, and the very access to the labor market for young people from vulnerable social groups. 

To overcome the aforementioned barriers and create equal educational opportunities for the development of young people's skills, the Belgrade Open School will implement the project "Virtual Internships for Inclusive Societies", in cooperation with Association XANO Channel (Spain), Pixel – International Education and Training Institution (Italy), National Youth Council of Macedonia, Junior Achievement (Europe) and Junior Achievements in Serbia. The project will offer a base for improving youth access to internship programs within the formal and informal education system. Special emphasis will be placed on young people coming from rural areas and young people with disabilities. The project will empower young people to get involved and cooperate with decision-makers in the field of youth education and employment policies and thus become key actors in decision-making processes regarding their rights and interests. 

Objectives of the project: 

• Exchange of experience and knowledge in the field of creation and implementation of virtual internships between the EU and non-EU countries

 • Improvement of the level of knowledge and skills as well as access of young people to internship programs that are implemented within formal and informal education, with an emphasis on those from vulnerable social groups

• Empowerment young people to be actively involved in the decision-making process at the national and EU levels on the future of education and youth employment

 • Increasing the visibility of virtual internships among young people, youth organizations, educational institutions, service providers, and policy makers

During the implementation of the project, the activities are directed at the support and promotion of international cooperation between actors from the public and private sectors as well as youth organizations. The goal of the cooperation is to improve existing and create new models of virtual practices so that they are aimed at reducing the negative consequences on the socio-economic status of young people in Europe, through the EU Youth Strategy.

The project will be implemented between 2023 and 2024 with the support of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency.