Investing in Europe’s youth is investing in Europe’s future

Why is investing in Europe’s young people so important?

Europe has an aging population. The post-World War II ‘baby boom’ and falling birth rates over the last few decades have contributed to a society where the number of people over the age of 65 is growing and the number of young people falling. With this in mind, it’s never been more important to invest in Europe’s youth – not just for their own benefit, and to help businesses and organisations thrive – but to ensure that the EU can effectively support its changing population going forward.

Without this investment, we run the risk of an aging workforce having a negative effect on the economy and insufficient support for government services across the EU.

What can young people bring to your business or organisation?

Energy, fresh ideas and a new perspective are just a few of the benefits that young people can offer a business or organisation. Having grown up in an era of extensive technological advancements, they are also likely to have a strong understanding of current and future technologies, and how to effectively utilise them within a business environment. Furthermore, young people represent a cost-effective investment as they can be trained to meet the needs of the company and, if given a clear path for progression, are likely to remain loyal to the company in the years to come.

How is the EU investing in young people and how can your business or organisation get involved?

Recruiting young people to open positions is the most direct way that businesses or organisations can support the EU’s youth, but a young person with limited experience may not always be suitable for the job at hand. Apprenticeships, traineeships and internships are therefore a great way of investing in young people and creating a position for them within your company.

Business and organisations can get involved with a number of European Commission initiatives designed to support young people to find work and improve their skills. Some of the main initiatives include:

Youth Guarantee scheme: business and organisations can offer apprenticeships, internships and traineeships in conjunction with the Youth Guarantee scheme, which aims to help young people find work or develop their skills. Funding is also available for companies offering job opportunities.
The European Social Fund (ESF): funding is available for business and organisations that take part in projects designed to improve young people’s employment prospects.
Erasmus+: businesses and organisations in the fields of education, culture, youth and sport can apply for a grant to help organise mobility opportunities for young people, students, trainees and apprentices. Policy reforms and the exchange of good practice are some of the other activities supported by the Erasmus+ programme.
The European Solidarity Corps: this initiative provides grants to organisations that offer placements to young people registered with the Corps. The aim of the Corps is to promote European solidarity while helping 18-30 year olds to learn new skills and gain both life and work experience.
The European Investment Bank: businesses and organisations can apply for loans to set up new apprenticeship schemes for young people.
Drop’pin@EURES: by registering on Drop’pin@EURES, businesses and organisations can directly post youth opportunities such as traineeships, apprenticeships and internships and gain instant access to a pool of potential young candidates.

We took an in-depth look at the Youth Guarantee in one of our recent articles and you can find out more about the scheme here. We also explored the future of businesses and organisations in our increasingly digital world, which joins investing in young people as another important consideration when it comes to ensuring the ongoing success of your business or organisation.

Related links:

Youth Guarantee scheme

The European Social Fund (ESF)

Erasmus+

The European Solidarity Corps

The European Investment Bank

Read more:

European Job Days

Drop’pin@EURES

Find a EURES Adviser

Working and living conditions in EURES countries

EURES Jobs Database