Activity objectives

• Design Social Innovation Initiatives: Develop practical skills to create and implement social entrepreneurship initiatives specifically tailored to the needs of rural communities.
• Align with European Frameworks:Understand how to align local youth work projects with the European Youth Work Agenda to maximize policy relevance and impact.
• Master New Tools & Strategies: Learn to identify and support green jobs and economic empowerment initiatives, fostering long-term growth in your region.
• Translate Field Insights: Go beyond the plenary room with study visits to local Vasto projects, gaining real-world insights to combat depopulation and "brain drain."
• Build Your Network: Collaborate with 25 passionate youth workers, policymakers, and experts from across Europe to co-construct future plans and foster cross-sectoral partnerships.

Description

Youth@Work Inclusive Horizons: Empowering Rural Youth through Social Entrepreneurship and Employability

Training course

Vasto Italy, 6 -10 October 2026

Are you ready to shape the future of rural communities? Join us in the beautiful coastal city of Vasto, Italy, from 6th–10th October 2026, for a transformative training course designed to turn challenges into opportunities.

The Mission

Rural areas are the heart of Europe, but they face modern challenges like depopulation and "brain drain." We believe the solution lies in you—the youth workers, changemakers, and innovators. This training course is your space to gain the tools, strategies, and network to champion social entrepreneurship, green jobs, and sustainable growth in your home regions.

Why Join Us?

This isn't just another training course; it’s an interactive experience designed to translate passion into tangible results. By joining us, you will:

• Design Social Innovation Initiatives: Develop practical skills to create and implement social entrepreneurship initiatives specifically tailored to the needs of rural communities.
• Align with European Frameworks:Understand how to align local youth work projects with the European Youth Work Agenda to maximize policy relevance and impact.
• Master New Tools & Strategies: Learn to identify and support green jobs and economic empowerment initiatives, fostering long-term growth in your region.
• Translate Field Insights: Go beyond the plenary room with study visits to local Vasto projects, gaining real-world insights to combat depopulation and "brain drain."
• Build Your Network: Collaborate with 25 passionate youth workers, policymakers, and experts from across Europe to co-construct future plans and foster cross-sectoral partnerships.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for 25 active participants ready to learn and share. You are a great fit if you are:

• A youth worker within the Youth@Work community or an experienced practitioner from an NGO.
• A representative from a local authority, private entity, or social organization focused on rural development.
• A policymaker or researcher with a story to tell or a vision to share.

Participants must be ready to engage with topics like green jobs, rural innovation, and economic empowerment, and eager to contribute to cross-sectoral collaboration.

Practical Details

• When: 6th–10th October 2026.
• Where: Vasto, Italy (a beautiful, accessible venue).
• Costs: Travel is covered by your sending Erasmus+ National Agency/SALTO Resource Centre. Board, lodging, and local activities are fully covered by the hosts.
• Inclusive Environment: We foster a safe, accessible space where everyone is valued, respected, and heard.

Ready to Apply?

Don’t miss this chance to be part of the Youth@Work Partnership— an alliance of Erasmus+ National Agencies and SALTO-YOUTH resource centres committed to employability and entrepreneurship since 2018. To learn more, follow us on social media and visit www.youthatworkpartnership.org.