Free training opportunity for 300 young people to build in-demand skills
Applications open for the “REOPEN” training and internship programme in Latvia, Estonia and Finland
The University of Latvia, together with University of Helsinki, Estonian Business School and the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry,, has opened applications for the international “REOPEN” training and internship programme aimed at unemployed young people and those with little or no work experience. Applications are open until 30 September, and participation in the programme is free of charge.
To apply, please, complete the application form HERE!
Participants in the “REOPEN” programme will have the opportunity to acquire skills that are in demand in today’s labour market, improve their digital and green competencies, develop practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills for everyday work, and strengthen transversal skills that are useful across a wide range of professional fields. The modules will have a strong practical focus and will take place online from October to December 2026. Upon completing the training, participants will receive a certificate and 3 ETCS.
Young people who successfully complete the training programme will have the opportunity to apply for paid internships at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Latvia, Estonia or Finland. The internships are planned for February, March and April 2027. An individual internship plan will be developed for each participant. After completing the internship, participants will receive a letter of recommendation from their employer.
“This initiative brings together three key parties: a university that provides young people with the knowledge and skills required in the labour market, employers who need skilled and motivated employees, and young people who are still finding their place in professional life. Participants will not only develop skills that are in demand in today’s labour market but will also have the opportunity to put them into practice, gaining valuable experience while building confidence in their abilities,” emphasises Anda Paegle, representative of the University of Latvia and manager of the “REOPEN” project.
The programme will give young people the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors, gain their first or additional work experience, apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice, and strengthen their competitiveness in the labour market. For employers, the programme will provide an opportunity to get to know potential future employees in a real working environment.
Who can apply?
Young people aged 18 to 25;
Young people with little or no work experience;
Young people with English language skills.
Up to 100 young people are expected to be admitted to the “REOPEN” training programme in each participating country – in Latvia, Estonia, and Finland.
What skills can participants develop?
During the programme, young people will develop transversal skills that will help them successfully enter the labour market, including responsibility, reliability, the ability to take initiative and responsibility for their work, as well as the ability to think independently, propose ideas and find solutions.
Participants will also improve their digital skills, learning how to use digital devices, software and online resources confidently and effectively in their everyday work.
Green skills will help participants understand sustainable practices, responsible use of resources, and ways to address environmental challenges in everyday life and the workplace.
In addition, participants will acquire practical artificial intelligence skills for everyday work, learning how to use AI tools to search for information more effectively, generate ideas, prepare content and carry out a variety of work-related tasks.
The modules will take place in the afternoons from 12 to 16 October, 2 to 6 November, and 23 to 27 November. Each module, four days of three-hour training sessions will take place online, while one day will be an opportunity to meet in-person meeting in the capital city (participants’ travel expenses will be covered), providing an opportunity to network and meet mentors. The training will be conducted in English.
Applications for the “REOPEN” programme are open until 30 September.
To apply, please, complete application form HERE.
After registration, participants will receive a confirmation. One week before the sessions, they will receive practical information on how to join the sessions online.
For more information, please, contact:
Tii Suokivi, e-mail: tii.suokivi@helsinki.fi (Finland)
Julija Bulgakova, e-mail: julija.bulgakova@ebs.ee (Estonia)
Anda Paegle, e-mail: anda.paegle@lu.lv (Latvia)
Frequently Asked Questions about the “REOPEN” Programme
What is the “REOPEN” programme?
“REOPEN” is a new training and internship programme for young people that helps them develop skills needed in the labour market and gain practical work experience. Upon completing the training, participants will have the opportunity to undertake a paid internship at a company in Latvia, Estonia, or Finland.
Who can apply for the programme?
Young people aged 18 to 25 who have little or no work experience and have a good command of English can apply. Young people from any field of study and any faculty are welcome to apply, regardless of their academic background or specialization.
Is participation in the programme free of charge?
Yes, participation in the programme is free of charge for young people.
When will the training take place?
The training will take place in the afternoons from 12 to 16 October, 2 to 6 November, and 23 to 27 November. During these weeks, four days of training will take place online for three hours each day, while one day will be dedicated to practical in-person networking sessions at the capital city. Participants’ travel expenses will be covered.
What language will the training be conducted in?
The training will be conducted in English in international groups that will include young people from Estonia, Latvia, and Finland.
What will participants learn during the training?
Participants will develop transversal skills, such as independent thinking and problem-solving, as well as digital and green competencies. They will also gain practical artificial intelligence (AI) skills for use in everyday work.
Will the training be practical?
Yes. The programme has a strong practical focus, enabling young people to apply what they have learned in real-life work situations.
Will there be an opportunity to gain work experience after the training?
Yes. After successfully completing the training, participants will be able to apply for paid internships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other organizations.
When will the internships take place?
The internships are planned for February, March, April and summer 2027. An individual internship plan will be developed for each participant.
Where can the internship take place?
Internships will be available at small and medium-sized enterprises in Latvia, Estonia, or Finland, as well as remotely.
What will participants gain upon completing the programme?
Participants will gain new skills and practical work experience, receive a certificate of completion for the training, and, after completing the internship, receive a letter of recommendation from their employer.
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.
