The project aimed to strengthen the skills of young inactive women on maternity leave or caring for children, to equip them with skills, improve their potential in re-entering the labor market or start their own business. The consortium developed a high-quality training programme which was provided to women free of charge.
Over 2 years 1000+ young mothers in 7 EU countries (Cyprus, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain) took part in 2-3 months entrepreneurship and digital skills training programs that were provided by the professionals specialising in IT or business topics, the workshops were accompanied with experience sharing sessions, where industry professionals and entrepreneurs shared their knowledge. During the training program free childcare services were provided for the participants to ensure equal opportunities to attend the trainings.
Different methodologies were adopted to ensure effective learning – classroom learning with additional learning encouraged by homework assignments, additional reading. To keep the participants engaged throughout the program, they were assigned individual projects – entrepreneurship course participants developed business plans whereas digital skills course participants created their own website or e-commerce platform.
After the program mothers acquired new knowledge, skills and motivation, were connected with relevant company networks, employers, businesses, investors, mentors to gain useful contacts for future employment and to help their business grow. The experience shared by entrepreneurs provided mothers with useful knowledge and motivation to overcome their fears. Potential employers introduced to industry opportunities and gave better understanding of what qualifications employers are looking for, what is the career path in IT industry.
After successful implementation of the project, 180+ mothers found a job and 80+ businesses were launched, creating even more employment places.