Make your future better – meet, connect and grow internationally with the REOPEN course
Applications open for the REOPEN training and internship programme in Latvia, Estonia and Finland
At least 300 young people across Latvia, Estonia and Finland will have the opportunity to participate in a new international training and internship programme REOPEN designed to strengthen their employability and support their transition into the labour market.
The University of Latvia, together with partner organisations from Latvia, Estonia and Finland, has opened applications for the REOPEN training and internship programme, aimed at young people who are unemployed or have limited work experience.
The programme is designed to help participants develop skills in demand in today’s labour market, gain practical experience and take their first steps towards a professional career.
The programme is being launched simultaneously in Latvia, Estonia and Finland, with the overall aim of training at least 300 young people across the three countries.
Young people aged 18 to 25 from across the country are invited to apply. The programme is open to young people with knowledge of English who have no work experience or have limited work experience. Participation is free of charge. Applications are open until 30 September 2026.
Developing skills for the changing labour market
Participants in the REOPEN programme will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills relevant to today’s labour market, including transferable, digital and green skills, as well as practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills for everyday work.
The programme will also focus on skills that support young people’s successful transition into employment, including responsibility, reliability, initiative, independent thinking, idea generation and problem-solving.
The training will have a practical focus and will take place online from October to December 2026. Upon successful completion of the training programme, participants will receive a certificate.
From training to practical work experience
Young people who successfully complete the training programme will have the opportunity to apply for a paid internship with a small or medium-sized enterprise in Latvia, Estonia or Finland.
The internships are planned for February, March and April 2027 with potential to have job contract afterwards. Each participant will receive an individual internship plan tailored to their development needs and professional interests. Upon completion of the internship, participants will also receive a recommendation letter from their host employer.
The programme will provide young people with an opportunity to learn from experienced mentors, gain their first or additional work experience, apply newly acquired knowledge in a real working environment and strengthen their competitiveness in the labour market. At the same time, employers will have an opportunity to meet and work with potential future employees in a practical professional setting.
The training programme has been developed as part of the project “REOPEN: Next Generation Workforce – Empowering Youth Opportunities for Better Employability”, implemented by the University of Latvia in cooperation with the University of Helsinki, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Estonian Business School.
The REOPEN project aims to address persistent youth unemployment and skills mismatches in the Baltic Sea Region by providing young people with relevant skills and opportunities to improve their employability and successfully navigate a rapidly changing labour market. The REOPEN project (No. CB0700393) is co-financed by the European Union through the Central Baltic Programme. More information about the project is available on the REOPEN project website.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.
Photo: Toms Grīnbergs, University of Latvia.
