From the very beginning of our work we at the Trust for Social Achievement have been working to bridge the gap between disadvantaged communities and employers. In 2018 we began implementing Earning by Learning - the largest project in the Employment and Entrepreneurship portfolio to date, which aims to support disadvantaged young people, prepare them for the labour market, and help them navigate their career path. Within the framework of Earning by Learning implemented with partner organizations from Hungary, Romania, Spain, and Bulgaria, TSA provided career guidance for underprivileged youth up to 29 years of age, motivation,
various trainings, personal development, mentoring, workplace support and networking events for the project's business partners.
The main objective of the project was to support young people by ensuring that their skills match the needs of employers in Bulgaria. In addition to this, a network of business and education partners was created with whom we are working to create a more diverse and inclusive work and school environment in Bulgaria. Our tailored approach to the needs of each young participant has ensured better preparation, greater confidence, higher motivation and overall better chances of a successful career.
The continued mentoring support we provide to the young people in the project has been crucial - it continues after they are placed in work, helping them to better adapt and resolve the different cases they face in the workplace - as a result they value the project's long-term contribution to their professional development.
The Earning by Learning project ended in June 2023 with the following outputs:
- 300 young people engaged in various project activities
- 209 young people completed English and computer literacy courses
- 33 young people completed other hard skills courses
- 911 representatives of private businesses engaged in various networking events
- 163 young people participating in meetings with employers
- 68 young people placed in employment
- Nearly 90% of youth in employment are still employed!
- 25 young people placed in various internships