TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for Vassilena Varbanova
he training activity aimed to increase the employability and career prospects of young people aged 18–25 by developing essential soft skills such as communication, negotiation, presentation, and entrepreneurial competences. It also sought to boost self-confidence and provide practical tools for professional and entrepreneurial realization.
The training addressed the needs of young graduates and job seekers who often lack opportunities to develop soft skills within the formal education system, which are crucial for successful job applications and career entry. It responded to the broader challenge of youth unemployment observed in EU and partner countries and supported the priority of career development and entrepreneurship within the Erasmus+ programme.
The activities were fully aligned with the goals of the organizations involved, as they focused on practical, experiential learning through workshops, role-plays, simulations, debates, and interactive exercises. The outcomes—such as improved negotiation and communication skills, entrepreneurial thinking, increased self-confidence, and the creation of a youth-led Facebook page with tips and guidance—directly contributed to the organizations’ mission of empowering young people, fostering competence development, and improving employability across Europe.
The target group of the activity consisted of young people aged 18–25, primarily young graduates and job seekers, who were motivated to develop their soft skills, employability, and entrepreneurial competences.
The youth exchange involved 30 participants from Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, Lithuania, Romania, and The Netherlands, supported by 1 facilitator and 1 organizer. The activity was fully international, providing participants with a cross-cultural learning environment and opportunities for intercultural exchange, peer learning, and networking.
The training used non-formal, participatory, and experiential learning methods to engage participants and support their skill development. Activities included interactive workshops, role-plays, simulation games, debates, group exercises, and peer-to-peer learning.
Participants also worked on practical projects, such as creating a Facebook page with tips, videos, and articles to share guidance for young people. These methods encouraged active participation, reflection, collaboration, and experimentation, allowing participants to practice negotiation, communication, presentation, and entrepreneurial skills in a safe and supportive environment.
The training activity achieved its main goals of enhancing employability and soft skills among young participants. By the end of the youth exchange, participants had improved their negotiation, communication, presentation, and entrepreneurial skills, gained self-confidence, and created a Facebook page with tips, videos, and articles to support peers in career development.
The training’s success is evident from participants’ active engagement in workshops, role-plays, simulations, and group projects, as well as their ability to apply learned skills in practical tasks and share outcomes publicly. Feedback from participants and facilitators confirmed that the learning outcomes were met and that participants felt better prepared for professional and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Documentation of the training can be found on the project’s Facebook page, which hosts the materials, resources, and guidance created by the participants during the youth exchange.
I worked as a full-time trainer and facilitator in the youth exchange. My role included designing and delivering workshops, facilitating non-formal learning activities, guiding group reflections, and supporting participants in developing soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and entrepreneurship. I also helped coordinate interactive sessions, monitor learning outcomes, and ensure that all activities were inclusive, participatory, and aligned with the project’s objectives.
As a co-trainer in the international training “Youth and Career Opportunities”, I had the opportunity to work closely with Vassilena and observe her work throughout the programme.
She demonstrated strong facilitation skills, professionalism, and a natural ability to engage young people from different cultural backgrounds. Vassilena contributed actively to the delivery of interactive sessions focused on communication, negotiation, and entrepreneurial thinking, using non-formal and participatory methods.
She played an important role in supporting group dynamics, encouraging reflection, and ensuring active participation in a safe and inclusive learning environment. Based on our collaboration, I can confidently confirm her valuable contribution and commitment as a co-trainer in this international youth training activity.