Round Table in Blagoevgrad United Institutions, Businesses and Young People in Search of Solutions for Youth Employment
On 10 June 2026, Blagoevgrad hosted the round table discussion “From Skills to Employment: Results and Recommendations for Successful Youth Labour Market Integration”, organised by Foundation “Partners Bulgaria” within the framework of the PRODIGY (PROmoting Digital and Green Skills for Youth) project.
The event brought together more than 30 participants, including representatives of public institutions, local businesses, educational and training organisations, mentors, and young people. One of the highlights of the meeting was the active involvement of young participants, including representatives of the Roma community, who openly shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for better access to education, training, and employment opportunities.
Participants were introduced to the key achievements of the PRODIGY project and the positive impact of its activities, which support young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEETs) in developing digital, green, and professional skills that increase their employability and confidence.
The second part of the event focused on an interactive discussion exploring the barriers that prevent young people from fully participating in education, training, and the labour market. Participants also examined the measures needed to strengthen social inclusion and provide more effective support for vulnerable groups.
Among the main factors contributing to educational disengagement and labour market exclusion, participants identified low motivation, financial hardship, family-related challenges, social disadvantage, and psychosocial difficulties. Representatives of the business sector also highlighted the shortage of practical skills, workplace readiness, communication abilities, and work discipline as common obstacles when recruiting young people with limited or no professional experience.
The discussion generated a number of practical recommendations aimed at improving young people’s access to learning and employment opportunities. These included expanding free training programmes, increasing the availability of paid internships, strengthening mentoring initiatives, providing accessible psychological support and career guidance services, and fostering closer cooperation between businesses, municipalities, educational institutions, and training providers.
The round table once again demonstrated that sustainable solutions to youth unemployment require strong partnerships between public institutions, employers, educational organisations, and local communities. By working together, these stakeholders can create more inclusive pathways to education and employment and help young people realise their full potential.
The recommendations collected during the event will contribute to the final outcomes of the PRODIGY project and serve as a valuable resource for future local initiatives aimed at promoting youth employment, social inclusion, and equal opportunities for all young people.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.
