The “Digital Skills for Youth Employability” was a Solidarity project into the framework of the European Solidarity Corps and was designed to address the high youth unemployment rate and the lack of access to digital skills training in Kozani. The project was funded by the European Solidarity Corps EU program via the greek national agency INEDIVIM.
Kozani is a relatively small town where the majority of skilled young people leave in search of employment elsewhere, leaving behind a very small number of young people who most of the time are considered underskilled.
By equipping young people with essential digital skills, this project aims to enhance their employability, career development, and active participation in society.
Recognising the transformative role of technology in today’s economy and the specific challenges faced by the youth in Kozani, the project seeks to provide tools and knowledge that will make young people more competitive in the labour market. It targets especially those facing social, economic, or geographical barriers, ensuring they can access the same, or at least similar education to the young people living in larger cities.
The project’s significance derives from its dual focus: empowering individuals and benefiting the broader community. By addressing youth unemployment and fostering digital inclusion, it aims to create a more skilled and resilient workforce. This is particularly relevant nowadays as Kozani transitions away from lignite mining towards renewable energy, which presents both challenges and opportunities for the local economy. The project supports this transition by preparing young people for new career paths in emerging industries like renewable energy and technology.