Digitálny_štart
Young people in a NEET situation – meaning those who are neither in employment, education, nor training – have long faced complex challenges in accessing education and entering the labour market in Slovakia.
According to Eurostat data, the share of young people in a NEET situation in Slovakia reached 10.7% in 2024 among the total population aged 15 to 29, representing approximately 88,730 individuals. In terms of gender, the proportion of NEET youth was higher among women (12.6%) than among men (8.9%). The highest share of NEETs (42.1%) was recorded among young people with only primary education or no completed education.
Research also indicates that young people in a NEET situation generally have lower levels of digital skills, weaker labour market awareness, and more limited access to individualised guidance and counselling compared to the wider population. In the context of digitalisation and a rapidly evolving labour market, these factors significantly reduce their employment prospects and increase the risk of long-term social and economic exclusion. In response to these challenges, the European Union has set a target within its Action Plan to reduce the share of young people in a NEET situation to below 9% by 2030.
Digitálny štart (Activating Young NEETs for the Digital Age) project was established as part of the solution to this issue, with the objective of systematically supporting the activation of young people in a NEET situation and helping them successfully enter the digital era. The project aims to provide NEET youth, as well as those at risk of becoming NEET, with clear guidance and practical tools for their personal and professional development. It focuses on deeper self-awareness, the assessment of digital skill levels, and a better understanding of labour market opportunities. By connecting personal strengths, digital competencies, and current labour market demands, the project helps participants make informed and responsible decisions regarding further education, reskilling, and career pathways.
The primary target group consists of young people under the age of 30 who are in a NEET situation or at risk of becoming NEET. This includes primary and secondary school students, including those with special educational needs; young people with disabilities; young people from marginalised communities; third-country nationals, including migrants; young people whose educational attainment is below upper secondary vocational education level; young parents; young adults leaving child and family care institutions; young people who have completed a prison sentence; and children and young people facing difficult life circumstances.
Digitálny štart is built around a set of interconnected activities that together form a comprehensive and practical support model for young people. These activities include proactive outreach and participant engagement, online assessments of digital skills and personal aptitudes, individual interpretation of assessment results through coaching sessions, and the development of educational programmes aimed at strengthening basic digital competencies.
Project Title
Aktivácia mladých NEET pre digitálnu dobu
Project Code
401404F044
Call Reference Code
Aktivácia mladých NEET pre digitálnu dobu
PSK-MPSVR-062-2025-NP-ESF+
Programme
Program Slovensko
Project Duration
01/2025 – 09/2027
Total Budget
8 483 557,47 €
EU Funding
7 804 872,87 €
