Young People Without Work Experience Offered Free Training and Paid Internships in Three Countries

It is aimed at young people who are not working, have no work experience, or have only a little experience. Applications can be submitted until September 30, and participation is free. In Latvia, the program plans to accept up to 100 participants aged 18 to 25 from across the country who are proficient in English. From October to December 2026, young people will have the opportunity to undergo practical training in several areas: digital and 'green' skills, the use of artificial intelligence in everyday work, as well as universal competencies needed in various professions. Participants will learn to work with digital tools and online resources, use AI for information retrieval, content preparation, idea generation, and task execution. Special attention will be given to responsibility, initiative, independent thinking, the ability to propose solutions, and teamwork. The training will be conducted in English in the format of thematic modules. Classes are scheduled for October 12–16, November 2–6, and November 23–27. In each module, four days will be held online for three hours, and one day will be in-person at the University of Latvia in Riga. Travel expenses will be reimbursed to participants. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate and 3 ECTS. Young people who successfully complete the training will be eligible for paid internships at small and medium-sized enterprises in Latvia, Estonia, or Finland. The internships are planned for spring and summer 2027. An individual internship plan will be developed for each participant, and upon completion, the employer will issue a recommendation letter. The project manager of REOPEN in Latvia, Anda Paegle, notes that the program aims to unite the interests of universities, employers, and young people who are just looking for their place in the labor market. Participants will not only gain in-demand knowledge but also immediately apply it in practice. The University of Latvia emphasizes that the very first step into the labor market often becomes the most challenging for young people without experience. The international program is intended to help bridge this gap while also providing an opportunity to gain experience in another country. Applications for participation in REOPEN can be submitted until September 30. For any questions, you can contact the project manager in Latvia, Anda Paegle, by writing to anda.paegle@lu.lv.