Trainers’ Forum 2026

International Youth Work Trainers Guild invites you to participate in The Forum for Trainers, by Trainers, which is organised as part of our Erasmus+ accreditation approved by the German National Agency.

We envisage the Trainers’ Forum as a forward-looking European platform that brings together youth work trainers and stakeholders to co-create the future of professional development, recognition, and collaborative practice through dialogue and action. 

Inspired by the spirit of Bridges for Trainers, the Forum offers a space for exchanging practices, analysing trends, and strengthening the trainers’ community, while influencing the next generation of EU programmes (2028–2034). 

By merging peer learning, networking, and strategic dialogue with institutional actors, the Forum aspires to position the International Youth Work Trainers Guild as a European reference point for quality, innovation, and collective action in the training field.

Objectives:

• Provide a space for trainers to explore emerging trends in international youth work and reflect on where the profession is heading (including upcoming generation of EU programmes).
• Foster peer learning by creating space for participants to exchange initiatives, tools, and methodologies that address current and future challenges.
• Strengthen the trainers’ community through networking, collaboration and intergenerational dialogue.
• Engage in dialogue with key stakeholders (National Agencies, SALTO Resource Centres, Youth Partnership, European Commission) to enhance recognition and influence.
• Co-create strategies for recognition, fair working conditions and sustainable career paths in youth work training.

Preliminary vision of the Forum’s programme:

Day 1: Explore trends and set a shared vision for the future of youth work.
Day 2: Exchange tools, network, and dialogue with key stakeholders.
Day 3: Develop strategies for recognition and sustainability of the profession.

Please note that the programme will be adapted according to the needs, contributions of selected participants and future developments influencing the field

Participant Profile

• Individuals currently working as trainers/facilitators* with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
• Preferably, trainers and facilitators who are involved or have been involved with Erasmus+ Youth and/or the European Solidarity Corps Programmes and who wish to contribute to shaping the future of the profession.
• Key stakeholders (staff of National Agencies, SALTO Resource Centres, the Youth Partnership, European Commission representatives) invited to join or lead specific sessions for dialogue and co-creation.

The Forum welcomes a balanced mix of senior, mid-career, and newcomer trainers, fostering intergenerational learning and inclusiveness across all experience levels in the youth work sector.

* The Trainer in the field of youth is defined as someone “who shapes, guides and accompanies the learning processes of individuals or groups. Trainers design and implement educational activities based on the values and principles of youth work and non-formal learning; they create conditions that promote the learners’ individual development, and they shape the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary for youth work”

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Language: Participants must have a good working knowledge of English.
• Residency: Applicants must reside in one of the eligible countries (please review the call for the complete list).
• Available to participate the entire duration of the Forum. 
• Ready to dedicate at least 5-8 hours for preparation before the training.
• Participate in the preparatory meeting on the 25th of June 2026, 5-6 pm CET.

Team of Trainers

Ilias Giannopoulos (EL), Sabrina Apitz (DE), Jan Lai (IT)