Initial situation

Youth unemployment in Europe has risen sharply as a result of the 2008 financial crisis. The lack of innovation, demographic trends and the resulting shortage of skilled workers prevent the countries from developing their economies successfully. In the meantime, the level of youth unemployment has increased to 20 percent. 

The social sector is an opportunity to develop talents and find secure employment that is focused on academic education, but is little noticed. However, there is often a lack of contact between universities, social sector providers and young people. The orientation mechanisms, such as internships, further training and entry-level qualifications, are not widespread in the sector.  

Target groups and their benefits

The SALM project targets young people under 25 who are unemployed. It aims to develop an employment strategy that combines intergenerational and innovative training approaches to improve young people's skills, self-reliance and entrepreneurship, thereby increasing their opportunities in the labour market. The SALM project is particularly aimed at the future market in tourism and social services.

Project goal

The SALM project aimed to deepen the knowledge of the current situation of youth unemployment in Europe, to carry out comparative analysis in the partner countries, to identify good practices in the partner countries and to develop instruments to combat youth unemployment, paying particular attention to the growing social services sector, the third sector and senior tourism.

Role of ISOB

ISOB was responsible for strategic project consulting and internal evaluation.