“GreenComp in Action – Sustainability Skills for Youth Work and the Labour Market”

The programme is based on GreenComp – the European Sustainability Competence Framework, which supports the development of the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to live, work and act sustainably. During the seven-day training course in Barcelona, participants will follow an intensive programme combining interactive workshops, non-formal education methods, experiential learning, practical exercises, teamwork, peer exchange and structured reflection.

Participants will explore GreenComp's four interconnected competence areas: embodying sustainability values, embracing complexity in sustainability, envisioning sustainable futures and acting for sustainability. They will work with the framework's 12 competences, including systems thinking, critical thinking, problem framing, futures literacy, adaptability, collective action and individual initiative.

The training course is developed in line with Youth Goal 8: Quality Learning, and contributes to:

Ensuring young people have access to high-quality, relevant non-formal learning experiences that develop key competences for life, active citizenship and work.

Promoting innovative, competence-based learning approaches that help youth work and education systems respond to the demands of the green transition and the changing labour market.

A particular focus will be placed on connecting sustainability competences with employability, entrepreneurship, professional development and the future of work. Participants will examine how the green transition is transforming organisations, professions and workplaces and how GreenComp competences can help young people respond to these changes and recognise new professional opportunities.

Youth workers will gain practical methods for translating GreenComp into engaging non-formal education activities. Through simulations, role plays, real-world case studies, group challenges and project-based learning, they will strengthen their ability to support young people in developing sustainability competences.

The training course is grounded in non-formal education principles and experiential and transformative learning approaches. The initial phase focuses on creating a safe and supportive learning environment, building trust among participants and establishing group cohesion. Participants will explore the foundations of non-formal education and sustainability learning, become familiar with the GreenComp framework, and reflect on the role of youth workers in supporting young people to think and act sustainably. They will also exchange country realities concerning environmental challenges, sustainability education, green employment and the integration of sustainability into youth work.

As the training progresses, participants will deepen their understanding of GreenComp's four competence areas through active learning, simulations, role plays, group challenges, real-world case studies, outdoor activities and reflective exercises. Particular attention will be given to systems thinking, critical thinking, problem framing, futures literacy, adaptability, exploratory thinking, collective action and individual initiative. Participants will investigate how the green transition is influencing professions, organisations and workplaces, and how employers can integrate sustainability competences into recruitment, staff development and organisational practices.

In the later stages of the programme, participants will apply their learning through a practical GreenComp Action Lab. Working in teams, they will identify a real sustainability challenge affecting young people, workplaces or local communities, analyse its causes and interconnected elements, examine the needs of different stakeholders, envision alternative sustainable futures and co-create a practical response. The proposed responses may include non-formal education activities, awareness campaigns, community initiatives, sustainable business ideas or actions supporting greener organisational practices. Through teamwork, peer feedback and presentation of their solutions, participants will refine their ideas and consider how they can be transferred to their local youth work and professional contexts.

On the final day, participants will reflect on and evaluate their learning journey, develop personal and professional commitment plans, and prepare GreenComp-based activities or local actions to implement after the training. Their learning achievements will be reflected upon and recognised through Youthpass, supporting their continued personal and professional development.