Fostering the (re)integration of NEETs in rural areas into education, training and labour market by increasing their basic skills, resilience and virtual mobility

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2024-12-18

Description

Description (EN):

In 2021, the European Union (EU) faced a concerning issue with a high percentage of young individuals aged 15 to 29 falling into the category of Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). Specifically, 13.1% of young people were classified as NEET, which raised significant alarms, particularly in rural regions. This situation not only negatively impacted the well-being and living standards of NEETs but also posed threats to the social and economic sustainability of these areas. To address this pressing challenge, the EU set a target to reduce the NEET rate to below 9% by 2030 and recognized the revitalization of rural regions as a shared European vision. In response, the Back on Track project was developed as a means to tackle these challenges and contribute to achieving these common goals. A crucial aspect of this effort is to reach, motivate and effectively integrate inactive young people who are disengaged and marginalized. Back on Track aims to understand the characteristics of these young people and explore strategies to engage those who have been left behind. Consequently, the overall objective of the project is to establish sustainable and effective methods of engaging with rural NEETs, facilitating their social and educational integration, providing targeted and personalized support to pursue their individual aspirations, and enhancing their basic skills, life skills, and mental well-being. The project places a strong emphasis on the digital inclusion of rural NEETs and strives to bridge the gap by providing access to urban benefits, such as extensive education and employment opportunities, through virtual means. By increasing the virtual mobility of rural NEETs, their integration can be significantly improved, the attractiveness of rural areas can be enhanced, and the EU's overarching goal of transforming brain drain into brain gain can be advanced. To achieve its objectives, the project will establish a transnational cross-sectoral stakeholder network to ensure the long-term sustainability of its outcomes. It will also develop a strategy for successful outreach to rural NEETs, implement a mentoring programme and create an innovative digital training model tailored to the identified needs of rural NEETs. Through these efforts, the project aims to provide a pathway and new prospects for individual development, training and career orientation without the need to leave rural areas. In summary, the Back on Track project represents a concerted EU effort to address the pressing issue of rural NEETs. By understanding the characteristics of these young people, providing targeted support and leveraging digital inclusion, the project aims to improve their integration, enhance the attractiveness of rural areas and contribute to the EU's goal of reducing the NEET rate while revitalising rural areas.

Expected Achievements (EN):

One of the specific objectives of Back on Track is that education, labour market and social organisations (min. 45) working with rural NEETs join their forces, build a network and reach the target group in a sustainable and effective way. All this in a joint collaboration and by sharing different expertise and perspectives. They succeed in engaging with NEETs who are out of the system, often invisible, preventing them from being lost and integrating them permanently into education and/or the labour market. Through SO1 activities and the delivery of outputs, cross-sectoral stakeholders are able to build lasting and effective relationships with rural NEETs, rural NEETs feel visible and involved in the project (at least 200), as well as actors in the Danube region are enriched with an adaptable and usable strategy. Both the project partners and the strategic partners will be involved in the achievement of the specific objective and the delivery of the outputs. Through SO2, the capacity of stakeholders is strengthened and rural NEETs find their purpose in life, create their own personal pathways and balance their social and professional ambitions. By leveraging the project's potential, rural NEETs are empowered to embrace the belief that, regardless of their challenging circumstances, opportunities for breakthroughs exist, and it is never too late to forge new plans. They even recognise their potential, which may have been hidden until now. As a result of the SO2 activities, the integration of NEETs into society, education and/or the labour market is triggered. Rural NEETs develop a sustainable trust in the system, in the organisations that help them through the mentoring programme. The target group's virtual mobility also increases, their digital integration begins, they learn about digital learning and remote working opportunities, they gain new perspectives, and they see and accept the support they need to integrate into society. The implementation of the SO3 activities has a transformative impact on rural NEETs. Through the acquisition of basic and power skills, improved mental readiness and resilience, enhanced confidence and organizational skills, these individuals are empowered to re-enter education and/or the labor market. Their newfound resilience, adaptability, and mental maturity enable them to pursue their goals and development pathways independently, fostering a sense of control and self-determination in their lives. These rural NEETs are able to persevere and overcome obstacles, staying focused on their goals and personal development. Furthermore, they also have an acute awareness of their own strengths, weaknesses and untapped potential, and can use these attributes effectively to their advantage. These rural NEETs are able to build a better future for themselves, while at the same time making a positive contribution to their communities and to society as a whole.

Project outputs: A transnational, cross-sectoral Back on Track Stakeholder Network to support the identification, approach and inclusion of rural NEETs as well as to implement and carry the project results forward (EN)
Back on Track Strategy to foster successful, sustainable outreach and better engaging with rural NEETs (EN)
Back on Track Regional Action Plans to empower rural NEETs and improve their life chances through increased social engagement(EN)
O.2.1: Train the Mentor capacity building pilot action for stakeholders to ensure adequate guidance on facilitating engagement and building trusted relationship with rural NEETs (EN)
Co-designed, piloted Back on Track Framework for effective Mentor Training (EN)
Pilot Mentoring Program tailored to the specific needs of rural NEETs, offering personalized information and career guidance to ensure the smooth transition from NEET to EET(EN)
Co-created, tested Back on Track Mentoring Program for a successful and effective mentoring process for rural NEETs (EN)
Skills Development Pilot Programme for empowering rural NEETs by strengthening their resilience and improving their skills through tailored knowledge transfer solutions (EN)
Tested Back on Track Educational Model that boosts the resilience of rural NEETs and develops their basic skills, empowering them to progress to further training and education (EN)
Website: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/back-on-track

Thematic information

Education and training Social inclusion and equal opportunities Rural and peripheral development

Priority: (VI-B_D_3) Priority 3 - A more social Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO4.2. Improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and on-line education and training

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 154 Measures to improve access of marginalised groups such as the Roma to education, employment and to promote their social inclusion

Partners (14)

Lead Partner: Österreichische Jungarbeiterbewegung

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU36821800

Department: Department for EU projects

Address: Mittelgasse, 1060 Wien, Austria

Department address: Längenfeldgasse , 1120 Wien, Austria

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.oejab.at

Total budget: EUR 253 682.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 202 946.24

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 50 736.56

Privredna komora Srbije

Name: Privredna komora Srbije

Department: Project Management Centre

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100296837

Address: Resavska, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Department address: Resavska, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: https://pks.rs/

Total budget: EUR 157 958.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 126 366.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 591.60

Contractors:

Name: Atlantis
VAT registration or tax identification number: 103681134

Ministarstvo privrede Tuzlanskog kantona

Name: Ministarstvo privrede Tuzlanskog kantona

Department: Department for Development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4210313720003

Address: Maršala Tita , 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Maršala Tita , 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.vladatk.gov.ba

Total budget: EUR 127 967.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 102 373.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 25 593.40

Агенция за регионално икономическо развитие – Стара Загора

Name: Агенция за регионално икономическо развитие – Стара Загора

Department: Education and Youth

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 123079354

Address: Stoletov, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Department address: Stoletov, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://szeda.eu/en/

Total budget: EUR 167 427.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 133 941.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 485.40

ipcenter.at GmbH

Name: ipcenter.at GmbH

Department: International Projects Unit

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU66862068

Address: Schönbrunner Straße, 1120 Wien, Austria

Department address: Schönbrunner Straße, 1220 Wien, Austria

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Website: http://www.ipcenter.at

Total budget: EUR 243 687.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 194 949.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 48 737.40

YES Forum EWIV - Youth and European Social Work Forum

Name: YES Forum EWIV - Youth and European Social Work Forum

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE 813564352

Address: Wagenburgstr., 70184 Stuttgart, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://www.yes-forum.eu/

Total budget: EUR 219 559.10

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 175 647.28

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 43 911.82

Humán Innovációs Csoport Nonprofit Kft.

Name: Humán Innovációs Csoport Nonprofit Kft.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU14839122

Address: Szabadság, 7623 Pécs, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.hics.hu

Total budget: EUR 153 367.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 122 693.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 673.40

Contractors:

Name: Láthatár Közhasznú Egyesület
VAT registration or tax identification number: 18323258-1-02

Fundacija za izboljšanje zaposlitvenih možnosti PRIZMA, ustanova

Name: Fundacija za izboljšanje zaposlitvenih možnosti PRIZMA, ustanova

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI22709495

Address: Tkalski prehod, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.fundacija-prizma.si

Total budget: EUR 172 147.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 137 717.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 429.40

Čovekoljublje, Dobrotvorna fondacija Srpske Pravoslavne Crkve

Name: Čovekoljublje, Dobrotvorna fondacija Srpske Pravoslavne Crkve

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RS107732601

Address: Kralja Petra Prvog , 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website (not verified): http://www.covekoljublje.org

Total budget: EUR 171 317.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 137 054.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 263.50

Contractors:

Name: Strahinja Djordjevic
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1108990754119

Pannon Novum Nyugat-Dunántúli Regionális Innovációs Nonprofit Kft.

Name: Pannon Novum Nyugat-Dunántúli Regionális Innovációs Nonprofit Kft.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU14197280

Address: Berzsenyi Dániel tér, 9700 Szombathely, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.pannonnovum.hu

Total budget: EUR 147 489.10

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 117 991.28

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 497.82

Udruženje za razvoj NERDA

Name: Udruženje za razvoj NERDA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 209683030008

Address: Mihajla i Živka Crnogorčevića , 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.nerda.ba

Total budget: EUR 151 536.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 121 228.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 307.20

Contractors:

Name: Bahrija Umihanić
VAT registration or tax identification number: Natural person

DEX Innovation Centre, z.s.

Name: DEX Innovation Centre, z.s.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ01112589

Address: Rumjancevova, 46001 Liberec, Czech Republic

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://dex-ic.com/

Total budget: EUR 178 587.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 142 869.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 717.40

ADEL Slovakia

Name: ADEL Slovakia

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK20204094281

Address: Cernysevskeho, 85101 Bratislava, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://www.adelslovakia.org/

Total budget: EUR 143 543.10

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 114 834.48

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 708.62

Agenția pentru Dezvoltare Regională Sud Muntenia

Name: Agenția pentru Dezvoltare Regională Sud Muntenia

Department: Development and Communication Directorate, International Affairs and Projects Department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 11390243

Address: General Constantin Pantazi, 910164 Calarasi, Romania

Department address: General Constantin Pantazi, 910164 Calarasi, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.adrmuntenia.ro

Total budget: EUR 185 343.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 148 274.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 068.60

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Fostering the (re)integration of NEETs in rural areas into education, training and labour market by increasing their basic skills, resilience and virtual mobility

Project acronym: Back on Track

Project ID: DRP0200145

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

CAREER (Programme 2014 - 2020 INTERREG V-A Romania – Hungary) was a project that aimed to improve the employment chances of rural youth in the Hungarian-Romanian border region. The project analyzed current and future labour market potentials, assessed the existing skills and skills gaps of the targeted youth, and developed tailor-made counselling and training offers for them. The main goal was to increase the accessibility, quality, relevance, and capacity of guidance and training offers in the target region. (EN) | Back on Track will step on these relevant findings, by using some of the training materials and focusing on some of the same professions and types of occupations (like entrepreneurs) that are promoted by CAREER. Partnership with the career guidance centers that are part of CAREER project will be highly useful to create synergies with the aims of the PP/consortium of Back on Track project which is partially active in the same region. (EN), HELIOS - enHancing thE sociaL Inclusion Of neetS - Implemented in the Mediterranean Interreg 2014, the project was aimed on correcting mismatches in the labour market demands and supply (as far as curricula and offered trainings are concerned) by focusing on innovative and high-potential sectors of the economy, and developing innovative targeted and tailored skills training courses oriented towards specific needs of the local labour market and the needs of NEETs, based on direct interaction with local enterprises and analysis of NEETs interests. E-learning, mentoring and coaching as well as soft-skills development were also used as methods in the HELIOS project, with the main goal of promoting broad inclusion. (EN) | Back on Track will try to use a similar approach, building on the method of taking into account NEETs skills profiles and local enterprises/labour market needs, with a focus on innovative and future-proof sectors of the economy, and also using inclusive methods to approach the target group, such as online services, mentoring and using synergies, in order to promote their socio-economic inclusion. (EN), RESMYLE – Mediterranean Programme 2014-2020 - The RESMYLE project was started in 2019 and wants to tackle youth employment, by offering up to 700 NEETs a chance for labour market integration, by giving them employment at the 60 incubator enterprises that have been founded as part of the project. The project aims to create 300 direct jobs for young people, thanks to the socio-economic viability of the 60 incubator projects and the improved employability of participants in the "Mediterranean Practical School for Sustainable Development" and related international mobility programme. It will also improve the educational practices of organizations working on youth integration through “train-the-trainers´” tools and the outcomes of the 12 pilot projects involving about 500 young people on environmental issues with social value. Moreover, the creation of 6 eco-incubators will allow young people to develop and test their project activities in a safe environment, enhancing the spirit of initiative and self-employment of people who lack trust and confidence. (EN) | Back on Track can maximize its impact by leveraging RESMYLE's expertise and partnering on employment opportunities. By adopting an environmental focus, it can align with RESMYLE's sustainability goals. Additionally, by creating safe environments for innovation, Back on Track can synergize effectively with RESMYLE, fostering collaboration and accelerating positive change. (EN), SPEED-You-UP – Interreg France, Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom 2014-2020 - The SPEED-You-UP project was financed from Interreg funds and focuses on providing free online training/upskilling courses to disadvantaged youth, in order to improve their entrepreneurial skills and their overall employment perspectives. The SPEED-You-UP project is a set of free curated learning resources and structured lesson plans designed to help young people, whether in education or not, to develop entrepreneurial skills. The process involves schools, welfare organizations and businesses working together to support young people from within local hubs. There, young people work to build a business pop-up that will improve their neighbourhoods. This way, they can set up a network with peers and support organisations and training providers, and attain relevant knowledge, skills and networking/mentoring contacts. (EN) | The Back on Track project will use the projects experience/reports from peer networking and mentoring activities in order to improve the relevance and accessibility of their own training and counselling offers for NEETs. By incorporating these synergistic elements from the SPEED-You-UP project, Back on Track can enhance its impact and create a more comprehensive support system for rural NEETs, empowering them with entrepreneurial skills, employment prospects, and a sense of community engagement. (EN), YUTRENDS (Programme 2014 - 2020 ESPON 2020) - The YUTRENDS (Youth Unemployment: Territorial Trends and Regional Resilience) Research Programme was implemented from 2017-2019 and dealt with the following main questions: What territorial patterns and trends of youth unemployment and migration can be identified in Europe, its regions and cities? Can levels of youth unemployment be linked to the regional resilience and long-term structural governance? What are the best practices among European regions in promoting youth employment and achieving the Youth Guarantee? How is ESIF supporting youth employment creation? How can best-practices be transferred to other regions and how can Cohesion Policy be mobilised to support long-term structural reform to promote youth employment?
The final report stressed that regional labour market actors need to look into multiple factors that are determining the economic resilience of regions, and also the affectedness of vulnerable groups in the labour market (such as youth). Also, labour market services need to offer specialised services for youth employment, and allow for greater regional and local flexibility of employment and training measures. Better cooperation and joint initiatives of labour market policy makers, service/training providers and employers is also very useful, such as creating integrated “one-stop shops” for NEETs. More focus has to be given on the specific situation of NEET youth, and the transition from school to labour market has to be better managed, with more counselling and alternative options to prevent labour market dropouts (better access).
(EN) |
Back on Track aims to leverage the findings and expertise of YUTRENDS research to enhance its strategies. It will integrate the research's recommendations and best practices to create synergies. Additionally, Back on Track emphasizes the need for labor market and public employment services (PES) to provide comprehensive and targeted interventions. It advocates for a preventive approach that enhances the transition from school to the labor market. To achieve this, the initiative aims to improve remote regions' access to comprehensive counseling and training services. (EN), NEET Mladi - Towards greater employability of young people in the rural areas of southern Banat
EU Project (WeB4YES), implemented in Serbia by local NGOs between 2019-2020. Supported by EU funds, as part of programme dealing with improving the employability of young NEETs in rural Serbia, and increase their visibility and participation in the labour market, by providing them suitable and relevant skills.
(EN) | Back on Track aims to leverage the EU's NEET Mladi project's achievements, expertise, and available resources to enhance its effectiveness. By incorporating NEET Mladi's proven strategies, valuable insights, and established networks, Back on Track can build upon the project's successes and expand its reach. This approach ensures a seamless continuation of the project's positive impact while maximizing its potential for further advancement and transformation. (EN), The PRO NEETS AT/CZ project was a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by NEETs (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) in Austria (AT) and the Czech Republic (CZ). The project focused on empowering and reintegrating NEETs into the workforce by providing them with comprehensive support and opportunities for personal and professional development. Through various interventions, such as skills training, mentorship programs, and job placement services, the project aimed to enhance the employability of NEETs and bridge the gap between their current situation and sustainable employment. The initiative also emphasized the importance of social inclusion, aiming to boost the self-confidence and social integration of NEETs. By offering tailored support, the PRO NEETS AT/CZ project aimed to create a positive impact on the lives of NEETs, helping them overcome barriers and secure a brighter future. (EN) |
Back on Track will leverage online services, mentoring, and successful strategies from the AT/CZ bilateral program to enhance its approach. It aims to implement capacity-building measures for public employment services (PES), labor market service providers, and training institutions. By adopting these methods, the program aims to effectively target NEETs (young people not in education, employment, or training), with a particular focus on those residing in rural or disconnected areas. The goal is to improve outreach and support for this vulnerable group in order to facilitate their integration into the labor market. (EN), Youth Entrepreneurship Project Serbia - Funded by EU, and part of Western Balkans Skills Lab Initiative; wanted to promote youth employability by teaching entrepreneurship and management skills to local NEETs. Project carried out a needs analysis and focused on giving better access to training measures and access to labour market office services, as well as including relevant civil society organisations. With a data-driven approach, better cooperation between labour market stakeholders and improved access to counselling and training measures, the situation of rural NEETs could be improved.
(EN) | Back on Track will build on the success of the Youth Entrepreneurship Project Serbia, incorporating synergistic elements and drawing on its experience in promoting youth employability and teaching entrepreneurship and management skills. The project can integrate the needs assessment carried out by the Youth Entrepreneurship Project Serbia to identify the specific needs of rural NEETs. In addition, Back on Track can adopt a data-driven approach to inform decision-making, facilitate better cooperation between labour market actors and improve access to counselling and training services. (EN), Ausbildungsfit (Education fit) in Austria - “Ausbildungsfit” is a federal training and counselling programme in Austria, that complements the basic training of disadvantaged youth in the “youth coaching” programme. Main target group are youth up to 21 with learning problems, lack of basic skills or other impediments for their labour market integration. The programme wants to provide upskilling and training offers to improve employment chances for NEETs, by focusing on social skills, basic skills and other cultural skills that are important for socio-economic inclusion. (EN) | Back on Track can build synergies with the "Ausbildungsfit" program in Austria by incorporating its key elements into its own framework. By integrating aspects such as upskilling and training offers, social skills development, and focus on basic and cultural skills, Back on Track can enhance its effectiveness in improving employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Additionally, knowledge sharing and collaboration between the two projects can further enhance their impact on socio-economic inclusion for NEETs, especially in rural areas. (EN), CREDO - Competitive regional economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina -
The CREDO development programme focused on SME development in key sectors in disadvantaged areas in Bosnia, by increasing the competitiveness and knowledge level of local key employers, and improving their cooperation with labour market policy institutions and regional PES. One of the main topics was to get local residents employable and upskilled to fit the professional needs of the SMEs working in future-relevant sectors such as metal processing, food and drinks, wood processing industry, and footwear industry. Also, the professional capacities of PES and training institutions had to be improved.
(EN) | Back on Track follows a similar approach, by taking into account stakeholder and employer needs, and also improve local/regional PES capacities and quality of services, in order to better reach disadvantaged target groups and offer relevant services, e.g. to rural NEETs aiding their socio-economic (re)integration. Collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing between the two projects would lead to synergies in tackling unemployment and promoting economic development in rural areas. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 473 610.60

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 978 888.48

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Identifying and mapping key stakeholders in the Danube Region
Building the Back on Track Stakeholder Network
Transnational cross-sectoral stakeholder dialogue workshops
Setting up the Peer Review Group to ensure the real needs of NEETs are addressed
Meetings of the Peer Review Group
Opening conference and Kick-off Event
Policy-focused communication event
Closing conference and Pan-European Stakeholders’ Conference
Secondary data collection and analysis of macro-level data on key characteristics of rural NEETs
Primary data collection on the specific needs of rural NEETs through direct outreach methods
Review and analysis of correlating transnational, national and regional strategies
Collection of best practices at European level
Analysis of methodological differences between model countries and other Danube countries
Collection of recommendations, experiences of stakeholders and (former) NEETS from the field
Back on Track Strategy and Regional Action Plans to foster sustainable outreach to rural NEETs
Train the Mentor curriculum
Field trips and practical workshops for the future mentors
Train the Mentor capacity building pilot action
Evaluation report on the Train the Mentor pilot action
Back on Track Framework for effective Mentor Training
Guideline for setting up the Back on Track mentoring programme
Activities to attract, engage and onboard rural NEETs
Pilot Mentoring Program as tailored integration support for rural NEETs
Report on peer-review and supervision workshops for mentors
Impact study and evaluation of the Pilot Mentoring Program
Back on Track Mentoring Methodology Framework for a effective mentoring process for rural NEETs
Digital Remote Career Guide
Remote-career and trend mapping ("real life" short-videos about remote jobs)
„Digitalisation of work“ Career Fair
Collection of digital knowledge transfer-methodologies and their application possibilities
Modular e-curriculum to improve basic & power skills, build resilience and enhance employability
Short, eye-catching educational content on social media channels
Skills Development Pilot Programme
Evaluation of the Skills Development Pilot Programme
Tested Back on Track Educational Model
Self-management and mental well-being curriculum
Self-management workshops
Mental health awareness-raising activities

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The Back on Track project can contribute to Priority Areas 8 and 9 of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. For Priority Area 8 (improving the competitiveness of enterprises in the Danube region) the project and its results are valuable to 1) contribute to strategies how to reintegrate NEETs into the labour market in order to promote regional economic development and fully use talent and skills available in disadvantaged rural regions) and 2) foster SME and labour market policy actors cooperation in general, as well as 3) promoting virtual ways of works, that can contribute to the development of rural regions and their population.
For Priority Area 9 (People and Skills), the Back on Track project can be expected to touch upon the following action lines defined in the EUSDR: 1) Intensify cooperation in labour market policies (by promoting the exchange of good practices and adaptation of innovative policies/methods by labour market stakeholders (how to approach NEETs to reintegrate them into the labour market), 2) promote digitalisation and innovation in work (by showing the possibilities for “work from home” and hybrid employment models in some professions, which can be a probable way to enter rural NEETs into the labour market), 3) integrate vulnerable groups into the labour market (by providing strategies and methods to labpur market policy makers to better approach the NEETs), 4) fighting poverty and social inclusion for all (by indirectly improving the employment possibilities/perspectives of the target group, by giving them access to virtual/online services), 6) promote Relevant and High-Quality Knowledge, Skills and Competences (by initiating a good practice exchange and an uptake of innovative methods for labour market actors), 7) promoting Lifelong Learning and Learning Mobility (by offering training and mentoring schemes for institutions working with NEETs and the NEET individuals themselves).
EuropeanGreenDeal The European Green Deal wants to help turn Europe into a climate-neutral continent until 2050, provide perspectives for economic growth that is not dependent on resources, and makes sure that no persons and regions are excluded from this future perspective.
Back on Track touches on the Green Deal priorities by helping to ensure that rural NEETS are better integrated into the regional labour market, by promoting ways for online services – counselling and training offers – that are so far not available locally in their disadvantaged areas. Also, another aspect of Back on Track could contribute to “green” policies, as NEETs are approached with online counselling and training offers, they do not need to commute to the cities to get access to these services – and also later on to commute to their workplace, as they work from home – the project reduces the need for local commuter traffic and decreases the carbon footprint of regions.
TerritorialAgenda2030 Back on Track can contribute to the goals of the EU Territorial Agenda 2030, which aims to promote balanced, inclusive and sustainable development of all European regions in their diversity. Dealing with issues of disadvantaged regions and their habitants’ access to services, opportunities, education, development etc., the Territorial Agenda 2030 also stresses the importance of skills development and taking into account regional demographic factors in order to create positive perspectives for everybody – this way NEETs are an important target group to address, because rural regions cannot “afford” to lose human resources and potential for their socio-economic development (which would be the case if rural NEETs are not properly approached).
Therefore, Back on Track is a valuable example how to improve the competitiveness and development perspectives of European regions which are threatened by risk factors like “brain drain” and “brain waste” and general loss of potential by not proving enough methods and resources to approach difficult target group in structurally weak regions (like the rural NEETs).
Other The EU Recovery Plan (NextGenerationEU) - was published as reaction how to deal with the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to boost sustainable, resilient, digital and green growth by providing stimulus measures. Under “Heading 2 – Cohesion, Resilience and Values” it provides 226 bn EUR to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the European Union by reducing economic, social and territorial disparities between its regions and supporting the full integration of less-developed regions within the EU’s internal market. Thereby, remote regions and areas suffering from adverse demographic effects can benefit from those stimulus measures, which are aimed at policy makers, stakeholders, companies and individual citizens.
Back on Track project fits into the overall strategic approach of “NextGenEU” because it also wants to help stakeholders and people affected by negative demographic trends (high rate of NEETs in rural regions) to be better equipped by providing them tools and measures how to adapt to these circumstances (among others by offering online and virtual counselling and training, as well as HR development measures).
Other The EU Rural Action Plan - The EU Rural Action Plan is focused around flagship initiatives, and wants to fulfil the main goals to foster territorial cohesion and create new opportunities to attract innovative businesses; provide access to quality jobs; promote new and improved skills; ensure better infrastructure and services; leverage the role of sustainable agriculture and diversified economic activities. It also wants to contribute to stronger, better connected, more resilient, and more prosperous rural areas – with better access and better opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Back on Track wants to contribute to these goals by giving better access to rural NEETs to tailor-made counselling and training services. The Rural Pact is a framework for cooperation among authorities and stakeholders at the European, national, regional and local level. It contributes to achieving the shared goals of the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas by facilitating interaction on rural matters between public authorities, civil society, businesses, academia and citizens.
Institutional development and capacity building is one of the focal points of Back on Track, therefore it can be seen as a contribution towards the rural pacts general aims.
Other The new EU Youth Strategy - The strategy for the period 2019–2027 focuses on three core areas of action, centred around the notions of “engage, connect, empower”, which also ties into Back on Track main priorities to improve access of NEETs to relevant training and counselling services, in turn enabling them to improve their chances of socio-economic integration.
Other Investing in Europe's Youth - This is an initiative launched in December 2016 by the Commission. The initiative "Investing in Europe's Youth" covers four key areas of critical importance for young people, namely employment; mobility; solidarity and participation; education and training.
Back on Track also supports these goals, by focusing on promotion on access to training and providing employment perspectives.
Other Youth Employment Initiative - The Youth Employment Initiative exclusively supports young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), including the long-term unemployed or those not registered as jobseekers.
By focusing on NEETs in rural areas and their access to counselling and training services, Back on Track supports indirectly the general idea of the youth employment initiative.
Other The reinforced Youth Guarantee - The reinforced Youth Guarantee is a commitment by all Member States to ensure that all young people under the age of 30 receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, apprenticeship, traineeship within a period of four months of becoming unemployed or leaving education – which also ties into the idea of the Back on Track project to improve access of NEETs to relevant training offers.
Other The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan - The Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights proposed by the European Commission in March 2021 and followed by a declaration at the Porto Social Summit in May 2021, introduced three EU headline targets to be achieved. One of them is reducing the rate of NEETs from 13.1% (2021) to 9% by 2030, which is also one of the indirect goals of the Back on Track project.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2024-12-18

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

82 / 139 (58.99%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

910 / 1 542 (59.01%)

Notes on the data

Source of estimation of the number of projects as of 2025-03-17: Website of the programme

Method for estimating the number of partners as of 2025-03-17: Average partners per project based on the average of the previous period.

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Fostering the (re)integration of NEETs in rural areas into education, training and labour market by increasing their basic skills, resilience and virtual mobility

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Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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