A working meeting took place at the YMCA Moldova headquarters with the organization’s partner entrepreneurs, who have actively contributed to developing vocational training opportunities for young people by offering beneficiaries of the project “Career Guidance and Employment for Rural Youth in the Republic of Moldova” the chance to complete internships within the enterprises and businesses they manage.
The project is implemented by YMCA Moldova in partnership with Kerk in Actie (the Netherlands) and aims to support young people from rural communities with career guidance, the development of skills necessary for labor market integration, and access to practical learning experiences. A key objective of the initiative is to foster lasting connections between young people and the business sector, enabling them to discover genuine opportunities for professional development and employment.
During the meeting, participants reviewed their collaborative experiences throughout the internship period, discussed the outcomes achieved, and examined how these activities contributed to the development of the young people’s practical and professional skills. Furthermore, the entrepreneurs had the opportunity to share observations regarding the participants’ level of engagement, their adaptation to the work environment, and the competencies required for integration into a professional team.
A key topic of discussion was the identification of new collaboration opportunities that would allow a greater number of young people to benefit from internships, on-the-job training, and direct interaction with professionals from various fields. Particular attention was given to the prospects for youth employment following the completion of these internships, as well as to how the practical experience gained can help facilitate the transition from education to professional life.
Internships are an essential component of the career guidance process, offering young people the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have acquired in real-world situations, to gain a better understanding of job-specific responsibilities, and to discover the requirements and expectations of employers. Through direct involvement in the operations of partner organizations, participants have the chance to develop skills such as communication, organization, a sense of responsibility, adaptability, and teamwork—competencies that are vital for building a professional career.
At the same time, collaboration with the business sector offers young people the opportunity to explore various fields of activity, identify their professional interests and aptitudes, and make better-informed decisions regarding their future. The experience gained through internships can be a significant advantage in the job-seeking process, helping to build confidence in one’s own abilities and providing preparation for the current demands of the labor market.
By strengthening these partnerships, YMCA Moldova continues to promote a model of collaboration between the non-profit sector and the business community, aimed at creating concrete opportunities for professional training and integration for young people in the Republic of Moldova. The involvement of entrepreneurs in the professional training process helps to align education with the realities of the labor market and to develop initiatives that address both the needs of young people and the requirements of employers.
YMCA Moldova aims to continue developing and expanding its collaboration with partner businesses and entrepreneurs, encouraging their involvement in mentoring, practical training, and the identification of employment opportunities. Through such initiatives, the organization contributes to preparing a generation of young people who are better informed, more confident, and better equipped for integration into the labor market.
We thank our partner entrepreneurs for their openness, engagement, and willingness to provide young people with valuable learning and professional development opportunities. Their support and experience make a significant contribution to achieving the project’s objectives and to creating future prospects for young people in the rural communities of the Republic of Moldova.
