High youth unemployment remains one of the most persistent challenges in the Western Balkans, with rates exceeding 26%—well above the EU average. In response to this reality, the YourJob programme was designed as a regional effort to support young people in their transition from education to the labour market, while strengthening cooperation among key labour market stakeholders.

Implemented by the Caritas Network, led by Caritas Austria and supported by international partners, YourJob has been active across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, reaching young people in more than 20 local counselling centres throughout the region.

Comprehensive Support for Youth Employability

At the heart of the programme is a holistic approach that combines career guidance, skills development, work-based learning, and entrepreneurship support. Since the start of implementation, 6,571 young people have received direct career counselling and employability training, including CV writing, job interviews, active job search, professional orientation, and time management.

Inclusiveness has been a strong priority: around 5% of participants were persons with disabilities, and 4% came from minority communities, ensuring that vulnerable groups were not left behind.

The impact is tangible—65% of participants report feeling well prepared for the labour market, while 56% have a clearer understanding of their talents and career aspirations. Importantly, 13% of young people secured employment directly as a result of the programme, and 20% of young women reported increased confidence to pursue professional careers.

Skills, Internships, and Jobs

Through short-term trainings, adult learning, and vocational education, more than 2,500 young people strengthened their soft skills and labour-market-relevant competencies, while over 1,100 participants enrolled in certified VET courses in fields such as digital marketing, accounting, CNC operation, caregiving, and graphic design.

Work-based learning played a crucial role. 583 young people completed internships, supported by over 700 employers who expressed willingness to integrate young and vulnerable workers into their companies. By the end of the second year, 1,248 young people had been placed in jobs, demonstrating the programme’s strong link to real employment opportunities.

Fostering Entrepreneurship and Policy Dialogue

For young people with entrepreneurial ambitions, YourJob offered business incubation and mentoring, including boot camps, competitions, and access to start-up grants of up to EUR 5,000. As a result, 68 start-ups and social enterprises were founded across the region.

Beyond individual support, the programme invested in awareness-raising and advocacy, organising 8 conferences, 18 round tables, and developing 5 advocacy plans to strengthen policy dialogue and institutional cooperation on youth employment.

A Shared Responsibility

The YourJob programme demonstrates that tackling youth unemployment requires shared responsibility—between young people, employers, institutions, and civil society. By combining practical support with systemic change, YourJob has contributed to more inclusive labour markets and brighter prospects for thousands of young people across the Western Balkans.