Back on Track

Space for the reintegration of youth into education or employment

In 2021, 13.1% of young people aged 15-29 were classified as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) across Europe. The “Back On Track” project therefore supported young people in reintegrating into the education and/or labor market. The path to employment or (vocational) training involved career planning and digital training or support methods – so that young people can pursue careers that fulfill them and secure their future.

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About Back on Track: All Information about the project

1 Projektinhalte - ipcenter

Project Activities

During the project period from 01/2024 to 06/2026, together with with 13 project partners we were developing:

  • An outreach strategy to reach NEETs in rural areas

  • A mentoring pilot program for NEETs for tailored integration support

  • A Train the Mentor program for stakeholders

  • A digital course to strengthen the skills of rural NEETs

  • A curriculum & workshops for self-management and mental well-being

  • A career guide and a virtual career fair

  • Tailored educational content for social media

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Target Group

The Back On Track project targeted:

  • Youth NEETs in rural areas

  • Local and regional labour market relevant authorities such as AMS

  • Social and socio-economic institutions

  • NGOs

  • Educational institutions

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Project Objectives

The aim of the project was to empower NEETs in rural areas and to offer them regional development opportunities and career options. To achieve this, networks, outreach strategies, mentoring programs, and digital training models were being developed. The “Back on Track” project contributed to achieving an EU goal: reducing the NEET rate from 13% to 9%.

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Project Outputs

The Back on Track E-Curriculum has been developed for trainers, educators, and vocational education and training (VET) professionals working with young adults who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). It supports the upskilling of this target group by providing structured learning resources in the areas of financial literacy, communication skills, digital skills, problem-solving, English for the workplace, and emotional intelligence, thereby fostering their employability and personal development.

This literature review examines the situation of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) in Austria, highlighting the key factors influencing their circumstances as well as regional differences.

This analysis explores the living conditions and needs of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) in rural areas. Based on interviews, surveys, and focus groups, it identifies key challenges faced by this target group and highlights opportunities for improvement.

This online learning platform provides young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) with flexible learning opportunities to develop their digital, professional, and personal skills. Through practical courses and tailored support, it helps participants build their competences and supports their transition into education, training, and employment.

The video series provides insights into the everyday realities of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) while presenting practical content on topics such as career opportunities and remote work. It raises awareness of the challenges faced by this target group and showcases practical pathways towards education, training, and employment.

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Total Project Budget

€ 2.473.610,60

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Achieving More Together

Back On Track was made possible through an 80% funding of the 2,473,611 Euro project budget from the Interreg Danube Region Programme. Partners involved in the implementation were:

  • Austrian Young Workers Movement (Austria)

  • South Muntenia Regional Development Agency (Romania)

  • ADEL Slovakia (Slovakia)

  • DEX Innovation centre (Czech Republic)

  • Development Association NERDA (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

  • Pannon Novum West-Transdanubian Regional Innovation Nonprofit Ltd. (Hungary)

  • Philanthropy, Charitable Foundation of the Serbian Orthodox Church (Serbia)

  • Foundation for Improvement of Employment Possibilities PRIZMA, an Institution (Slovenia)

  • Human Innovation Group Nonprofit Ltd. (Hungary)

  • YES Forum EWIV – Youth and European Social Work Forum (Germany)

  • Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (Bulgaria)

  • Ministry of Economy of Tuzla Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

  • Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (Serbia)

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