On 11 September 2025, iED brought together key local stakeholders at the inspiring JOIST Innovation Park in Larissa, Greece, to join forces in maximising the outreach of the YouthPioneer project to its primary target group – young NEETs in the wider region.
The meeting gathered representatives from:
- Public Employment Service (DYPA) of Thessaly, supporting employment opportunities and the (re)integration of unemployed individuals, particularly those from vulnerable groups.
- Labour Institute of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (INE/GSEE), conducting research on labour, economy, social policy, and education, providing evidence, proposals, and support for workers and trade unions.
- Social Inclusion Observatory of the Region of Thessaly, monitoring social exclusion and poverty, and supporting the design of targeted social inclusion policies.
- University of Thessaly (Vice Rectorate of Innovation, Internationalisation, Partnerships & Digital Governance and the Internship Office), helping graduates – especially those from vulnerable backgrounds – transition into employment.
- Youth Council of the Municipality of Larissa, promoting civic and political engagement of local youth and leading the initiative Larissa: National Youth Capital 2025.
- Synergy of Music Theatre, a youth-led cultural organisation experienced in inclusion through the performing arts and youth-focused awareness campaigns.
- WHEN.org Women’s Community, empowering women in employment and entrepreneurship through mentoring, training, and collective activities.
- Metropolitan College of Larissa, with access to hundreds of graduates and strong expertise in career counselling and employability support.
During the session, participants discussed strategies to strengthen outreach to NEET youth, including:
- distributing informational leaflets at Employment Promotion Centres and Community Centres,
- creating video content with the Youth Council of Larissa and sharing it on youth-focused social media platforms,
- sending targeted emails to recent graduates of local educational institutions.
A key challenge identified was the lack of trust among NEET youth towards education and training programmes that do not immediately address their urgent livelihood needs. An action plan was co-developed, which also includes concrete activities to support the organisation of the upcoming Networking Event in Larissa on 30 September 2025.
