DUAL ONLINE CENTER
Bank of Good Practices in Social Inclusion through WBL
Empowerment and Vocational Training for NEET Youth (Odyssea)
Overview
This initiative by Odyssea provides integrated vocational training and soft skills development for young NEETs in Greece. The program addresses the high unemployment and social exclusion of marginalized youth by offering free courses, certifications, and career services. Beneficiaries can access training in green jobs, hospitality, technology, and logistics while receiving coaching, mentoring, and employment matching. It contributes to social inclusion by helping NEETs build confidence, job-readiness, and professional networks.
Objectives
The program aims to re-engage NEET youth in learning and employment by providing free, accessible, and market-relevant vocational training. It removes barriers through targeted outreach, flexible learning, and integrated psychosocial support. It builds pathways to work-based experiences through partnerships with employers and placement services.
Implementation
Odyssea developed a holistic training model combining hard and soft skills, job market orientation, and hands-on workshops. Youth receive certifications and participate in real or simulated work environments. Odyssea partners with companies to offer job placements and coaching. Outreach prioritizes inclusion of women, migrants, and economically disadvantaged youth.
Process involves:
- Initial intake and assessment of participants’ needs and aspirations.
- Delivery of modular training in barista, electrician assistant, hospitality, IT support, etc.
- Psychosocial support, life coaching, and mentoring integrated into training.
- Internships or placement opportunities arranged with businesses for WBL.
- Post-training support for job matching and follow-up.
Process involves:
- Initial intake and assessment of participants’ needs and aspirations.
- Delivery of modular training in barista, electrician assistant, hospitality, IT support, etc.
- Psychosocial support, life coaching, and mentoring integrated into training.
- Internships or placement opportunities arranged with businesses for WBL.
- Post-training support for job matching and follow-up.
Innovative features
Targeted outreach, Vocational training, Job placement, Career counseling, Employer partnerships, Coaching and mentoring, Soft skills training
Measured outcomes
High job placement rates, increased youth engagement in VET, measurable improvements in self-confidence, technical competence, and digital skills
Challenges and lessons learned
Reaching highly excluded youth was a challenge. Odyssea used mobile outreach teams and collaboration with grassroots NGOs to engage NEETs. Flexible learning formats and psychosocial support improved retention and participation.
- CountryGreece
- SectorConstruction Digital education Hospitality and tourism Retail, trade and e-commerce Services
- Target groupEthnic minorities Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers NEETs and early school leavers People at risk of poverty or social exclusion
Leading organisation
Odyssea NGO
Date
2019, ongoing
Key stakeholders
• VET providers and training centers
• NGOs and social organizations: Odyssea and NGOs supporting youth and migrants
• Government agencies and policymakers
• Employers and business networks: corporate partners, employers from the hospitality, logistics, and tech sectors
• NGOs and social organizations: Odyssea and NGOs supporting youth and migrants
• Government agencies and policymakers
• Employers and business networks: corporate partners, employers from the hospitality, logistics, and tech sectors
