EPALE - Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe

Too many young people leave school prematurely, running the risk of being unemployed and socially excluded. Fighting rising levels of unemployment – particularly among young people – has become one of the most urgent tasks of the European Union. EU businesses need to become more competitive by harnessing young talent. Well-performing education and training systems and youth policies can help to tackle these challenges by providing people with the skills required by the labour market and the economy, while allowing them to play an active role in society and to achieve personal fulfilment. Another challenge relates to the empowerment of young people and their ability to participate actively in society. This issue can also be targeted through non-formal learning activities, which can enhance young people’s skills and competences and lead to active citizenship. Moreover, there is a need to provide youth organisations and youth workers with training and cooperation opportunities, to develop their professionalism and to bring a European dimension to youth work. Erasmus+ (2014-2020), the EU Programme for education, training, youth and sport, helps to address these needs. It aims to boost young people’s skills, job prospects and personal development and to modernise the education, training and youth work sectors