by InTrieste
Friuli Venezia Giulia is striving to lead in innovative youth employment strategies. The regional government announced an expanded second edition of its AttivaGiovaniinitiative, a program designed to guide young people toward brighter futures by enhancing their skills and employability.
Speaking in Trieste on Thursday, Regional Councillor for Labor Alessia Rosolen highlighted the project’s significant growth. “The AttivaGiovani project delivers targeted interventions planned by the Region and partner organizations to empower young people. Through practical training and experiential workshops, we aim to equip participants with foundational and transferable skills that facilitate entry into the workforce,” Rosolen said.
Backed by €3.5 million from the European Social Fund, AttivaGiovani is part of the FSE+ Regional Program 2021–2027. The initiative targets NEETs—an acronym for young people not in employment, education, or training—a demographic that, despite national concerns, represents just 11% of the population in Friuli Venezia Giulia, compared to 16% across Italy.
A Broader Network, Bigger Impact
The latest edition of AttivaGiovani marks a shift toward inclusivity, with a notable expansion of the program’s partnerships. Municipalities, associations, and local organizations have joined forces under a Temporary Purpose Association led by Enaip FVG, a regional vocational training institution. “Compared to the first edition, the number of participating entities has grown significantly,” said Rosolen. “This participatory network approach builds on existing local experiences while encouraging innovative proposals.”
The initiative provides a mix of non-formal training opportunities—seminars, small-group workshops, and on-site company visits—as well as mentorship programs and preparatory courses for internships. These efforts are tailored for young people aged 18 to 35, offering diverse pathways such as the “Young Talents in Action” and “Young People Ready for the Future” programs. Additionally, the project includes training for municipal officials and volunteers to ensure widespread community impact.
Tackling Inequality
While regional numbers are promising, with NEET rates down by 3.4% since 2018, Rosolen pointed out a persistent gender gap. “The percentage of female NEETs stands at 13.4%, compared to 8.8% for males. Bridging this divide remains a key challenge,” she emphasized.
Launching Across the Region
To drum up excitement and engagement, the project will launch with seven events from December 2 to 16 in various locations, including Udine, Pordenone, Gorizia, and Trieste. Each event will spotlight themes such as local culture, art, artificial intelligence, culinary traditions, and workplace readiness.
The events aim to connect participants with their local communities while showcasing pathways to personal and professional growth. In a region that values both tradition and innovation, AttivaGiovani offers young people the tools to shape their futures while contributing to the vibrant fabric of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
This initiative stands as a testament to the power of regional efforts in addressing global challenges like youth unemployment—a pressing concern not only for Italy but for economies worldwide.
