‘The European Year of Skills’ is this year’s theme set by the European Commission. With ever-increasing attention on upgrading know-how, it is particularly relevant for youths going through their initial work experiences. As the several challenges facing the employment market continue to hit the headlines, it is of utmost importance to maintain the focus on skills.

Among the many initiatives that Aġenzija Żgħażagħ – Malta’s national youth agency – undertakes, it seeks to tap into and nurture the many talents that start to develop at that young age, full of promise and potential. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ has several ongoing projects, catering for a wide array of interests and covering a wide spectrum of activities, and it’s personnel often go that extra mile to provide the necessary support. A quick look through Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s website provides detailed information and an idea of the various strands of action being undertaken.

Countless opportunities can be explored within the extended horizon that the European continent provides for local youths. A holiday here and there already gives a taste of what is on offer. What about a more extended stay, coupled with learning new skills? Perhaps one may ask – where should I start my search to find whatever is relevant to me?

The Eurodesk network has branches in 37 European countries, well beyond the 27 EU Member States! From Iceland to Georgia, Portugal to Finland and Malta to Norway, and most of the countries in between with a few exceptions. Now that’s quite an enticing mix.

The Eurodesk MT is hosted by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ at their offices in Santa Venera. Here, young people as well as those working with youth, can easily obtain information on the international opportunities that abound. Indeed, there is a lot of material to consider. However, with expert help, one can filter through it --to find what really appeals to your current goals. A meeting with the Eurodesk Mobility Advisor can literally get you places.

If you want to have a look online first, the Eurodesk Opportunity Finder is the portal for you, with a multitude of events and openings listed, across several countries: from calls for interns and volunteers to learning experiences and participatory programmes. There is also a section specifically on grants.

International experience provides you with a unique introduction to alternative ways of doing things, helps to gain skills and improve others, possibly learn a new language, realise personality traits that may have remained under wraps, find the means to become more resourceful and a host of other, additional benefits.

Listening to the first-hand experiences of others provides a better understanding of what to expect. Maria Fsadni did a five-month experience in Macedonia under the Erasmus programme. She says, “it exposed me to new cultures, traditions, and ways of life, making many new friends in the process.” It also provided her with skills that put her in good stead, sharing “this opportunity allowed me to foster independence and gain maturity.”

Opting for Prague, Maria Mercieca worked in the health and social sector, acquiring invaluable insights while helping with the integration of individuals with disabilities into society. She states, “personally and academically, I grew exponentially, developing essential soft skills like self-awareness, problem-solving, and time management.”

Moreover, she considers this opportunity as one that continues to help her in the coming years, noting that the “eye-opening journey is a key to my future, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to others for an enriching and memorable experience.”

Many more have done such stints abroad, helped by the Eurodesk network. The Erasmus+ programme is particularly popular, assisting individual applicants and organisations in the fields of education, training, youth and sport. One may have heard of this programme from the many participants who make good of use of it. The aim of the Eurodesk is to help you identify what best suits your aspirations. This programme also supports the European Skills Agenda, an EU plan over a five-year period till 2025 aimed at developing the skills of both businesses and individuals.

Besides Erasmus+, there are several other ongoing initiatives such as the European Solidarity Corps. This programme provides opportunities for volunteering in another country, whether individually or in teams. Local organisations are increasingly tapping into this initiative, which is no surprise considering the extent of the volunteer community in Malta.

Why bypass such experiences once they are on offer? A lot of emphasis is being placed on acquiring skills, improving the ones already at hand, and being prepared for what lies ahead. There is widespread agreement that these are all important qualities leading to one being more resilient in a challenging environment such as a constantly evolving labour market.

The Eurodesk facilitates this to a great degree. Encouraging mobility, it provides support for those individuals who want to take the leap and try out new experiences. Do you think that there is an obstacle in your way to making such a step, or are you still weighing your options up? Reach out to the Eurodesk at Aġenzija Żgħażagħ to get more information and discuss the best prospects.

Eurodesk is placing a lot of emphasis on facilitating the uptake of more new skills. In an increasingly evolving economy and a largely interconnected world where the perspective is truly global, get all the help you can get and use it as best as you can. It will help you to stay ahead.