TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Eleftherios BALTZIDIS
The training aimed to strengthen youth workers’ competences in supporting NEET young people (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) through entrepreneurship education and employability-focused non-formal learning. It addressed the need for smoother transitions from education to the labour market, development of transferable skills, and inclusive access to opportunities. The activity aligned with partner organisations’ goals to promote equal access, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurial mindsets, while equipping youth workers with practical tools to address unemployment and social exclusion.
The activity involved 30 youth workers from five countries: Italy (coordinator), Spain, Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria. Each country was represented by six participants working with young people aged 18–27, particularly NEET youth. The trainers’ team was international, combining expertise in youth employability, entrepreneurship education, and non-formal learning methodologies. The multicultural setting fostered peer exchange, intercultural dialogue, and collaborative reflection on labour market challenges across different national contexts.
The training applied experiential and non-formal learning methods including team-building activities, intercultural games, critical thinking workshops, SWOT analysis, mind mapping, case studies, debates, storytelling exercises, and role-play simulations. Participants engaged in CV and cover letter workshops, interview strategy sessions, public speaking practice, and real-life problem-solving scenarios. Reflection circles and daily evaluations supported learning consolidation. The methodology emphasized learning-by-doing, peer exchange, and practical application to youth work contexts.
Participants strengthened competences in entrepreneurship education, critical thinking, public speaking, and employability support strategies. The evaluation process, including daily reflections and final joint assessments, indicated increased confidence and practical readiness to support NEET youth. The project fostered a transnational network of youth workers committed to knowledge-sharing and dissemination. Follow-up activities, local workshops, and online dissemination contributed to sustained impact beyond the mobility period.
I acted as the national coordinator for the Greek team. My responsibilities included participant outreach and selection, reviewing motivation letters, preparing participants before mobility, and ensuring alignment with the project’s objectives and inclusion criteria. I coordinated closely with the Italian lead partner on administrative, logistical, and project management matters, including documentation, reporting, and communication. I supported participants throughout the preparation and follow-up phases and facilitated reflection and dissemination activities at local level.