Next Generation Workforce – Empowering Young People for Improved Employment (REOPEN, 2025-2028)

REOPEN Main Aim

The REOPEN (Sep 2025 – Feb 2028; https://centralbaltic.eu/project/reopen) is project of the Interreg Central Baltic Programme (https://centralbaltic.eu) co-funded by the European Union. The project main aim is to create a very practical joint cross-border solution for these challenges, and to decrease mismatch between the employment supply and demand. This can be achieved by: (i) well-designed education /training in collaboration with employers, (ii) expanding cross-border collaboration to diversify the skills and needs match opportunities, and (iii)  lowering the barriers to enter the labour market for young people (YP).

 

REOPEN Main Activities

(WP1) Joint targeted upskilling training for young people. REOPEN goal is to train 300 young people (YP) from Estonia, Latvia and Finland in soft skills, digital competencies, green skills and industry-specific knowledge to boost their competitiveness in the labour market. For achieving such goal, there is a plan: (i) to implement an outreach campaign, engaging at least 300 YP and 15 small- and medium size enterprises (SMEs) /organizations across various industry sectors; (ii) To identify existing workforce skill gaps and align them with YP training needs; and (iii) to design and deliver a comprehensive upskilling training program in 3 online/ virtual exchange Modules. These Modules are the following:

(M1) “Soft skills and competences in 21st century labour market” (key topics – career development, work ethics, cross-cultural competences, leadership, design thinking and creativity, critical thinking, further education, financial literacy, time planning, motivation, adaptation skills, employment supply and demand across borders, etc.);

(M2) “Digital and green skills for labour market” (key topics – digital and remote work skills, communication and collaboration tools, search info online, data management, elaboration of digital content, deployment of innovative AI technologies, simulated internship experiences and problem-solving exercises, as well as green skill as knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society); and

(M3) “Internship onboarding training” (key topics – specific field-related courses, delivered in smaller mixed groups, according to their field of specialization for the internship, industry specific skills, skills matching map of YP & SMEs).

(WP2) Smart internships for improved employment opportunities for young people. REOPEN goal is also to offer YP from Estonia, Latvia and Finland hands-on work experience in a professional setting for practical application of the competencies acquired during the training by implementing 150 smart internships for YP.

For achieving such goal, there is a plan: (i) to develop a comprehensive internship program designed to be accessible for YP from diverse backgrounds while aligning with SMEs /organizations’ needs in the labour market; (ii) to prepare and support, at least, 15 employers for hosting smart internships for 150 YP who will be enrolled from the training program; and (iii) to organize 75 cross-border and 75 local internships (1-2 months) during the program.

REOPEN Expected Results

Upon successful completion of each Module: YP will receive a Training Certificate (each 20 academic hours, 1 ECTS), certifying their qualification. The REOPEN’s target is 50% improvement in YP competency levels through pre- and post-training self-assessments and, at least, 75% positive feedback on training relevance and effectiveness. REOPEN will help YP to reduce their skills gaps and enhance their adaptability to a rapidly changing labour market.

Based on the program results, a set of recommendations for policymakers on best practices in YP employment strategies will be developed. The REOPEN’s target is that, at least, 75% positive feedback from both YP and employers regarding the internship experience. REOPEN will have positive impact to YP to achieve work affiliations after completing the internship.

The REOPEN comprehensive program framework will be developed detailing the goals, scope and structure of an internship scheme, delivering a training and handbook for mentors and guidelines for SMEs/ organizations seeking to implement similar programs. Internship program of cross-border and local internships in Latvia, Estonia and Finland will contribute to the program output indicator achieving 1-2-month work affiliations for 150 YP and providing them recommendation letters, certificates and new qualification gained.

Contact Information

  • Coordinators – Anda Paegle (anda.paegle(at)lu.lv) & Inga Skendere (inga.skendere(at)lu.lv), University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
  • UH Team Leader – Hanna K. Lappalainen (hanna.k.lappalainen(at)helsinki.fi), University of Helsinki, Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research, Helsinki, Finland
  • UH Team Members – Laura Riuttanen, Tuukka Petaja, Alexander Mahura, Ilona Kivimaki, Juha Kangasluoma, Aleksi Vauhkonen, Mikko Kulmala, Alla Borisova

 

Project Partners/ Teams

  • UL – University of Latvia (Riga, Latvia) – www.lu.lv
  • UH – University of Helsinki (Helsinki, Finland) – www.helsinki.fi
  • IBS – Institute of Baltic Studies (Tartu, Estonia) – www.ibs.ee
  • LCCI – Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Riga, Latvia) – www.ltrk.lv
  • SEE – Social Enterprise Estonia (Tallinn, Estonia) – www.sev.ee