On 8 June 2026, the Youth Centre in Gotse Delchev hosted the round table discussion “From Skills to Employment: Results and Recommendations for Successful Youth Labour Market Integration”, organized by  Partners Bulgaria Foundation as part of the PRODIGY (PROmoting Digital and Green Skills for Youth) project.

The event brought together representatives of local businesses, educational and training organisations, public institutions, mentors, and young people who had participated in the project. Attendees were presented with the key achievements of PRODIGY, an initiative dedicated to strengthening the digital, green, and professional competencies of young people who are not in employment, education, or training (NEETs).

One of the most inspiring parts of the programme was the sharing of personal experiences by young participants and mentors. Their testimonies highlighted both the challenges young people face when entering the labour market and the positive impact of the opportunities provided through the project’s activities.

During the discussion sessions, participants examined the main factors contributing to young people’s disengagement from education and training, the obstacles to youth employment and employer engagement, and the broader challenges related to social inclusion and support for vulnerable groups.

Among the key barriers identified were the lack of practical work experience, limited self-presentation and communication skills, the mismatch between employers’ expectations and young people’s career aspirations, as well as various social and family-related factors that influence motivation and professional development.

Participants proposed a range of recommendations aimed at improving young people’s access to employment and learning opportunities. These included expanding internship and work-based learning programmes, strengthening cooperation between schools, employers, and public institutions, developing mentoring initiatives, introducing personalised development plans, and providing psychological and family support for young people at risk of social exclusion.

The round table underscored the importance of sustainable partnerships between local authorities, businesses, educational organisations, and civil society actors in creating more opportunities for young people and supporting their successful transition into the labour market.

The recommendations gathered during the event will contribute to the final outcomes of the PRODIGY project and serve as a valuable foundation for future local initiatives aimed at reducing the number of young people who are not in employment, education, or training.

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.