Young Talents Programme 2026

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If you are interested in working in the non-governmental sector, youth work, public health, the environment, sustainable development, social participation, or social entrepreneurship, and want to experience this world first-hand, the Young Talents Programme is designed specifically for you.

It is aimed at young people transitioning into the labour market (aged between 20 and 30) who want to understand how organisations in these fields actually operate and what opportunities are offered by a sector that actively shapes society.

What will the programme look like?

The Young Talents Programme is designed to provide a gradual and meaningful introduction to the sector – from an initial induction, through practical work, to the development of your own project idea. The programme runs for
4 hours per day, allowing you to engage seriously while still maintaining space for other commitments.

At the beginning, all participants join a joint introductory training session held in person in Ljubljana. During this phase, you will learn about the functioning of the NGO and youth sectors, the role of organisations in health, environment, and sustainable development, the importance of social participation, and the values and working methods of the participating organisations. This part of the programme is common to all participants and is intended to provide a broader context and a fundamental understanding of the sectors before you begin your placement.

Following the induction, you will be assigned to one of the participating organisations based on your interests, prior knowledge, and preferences. The core of the programme consists of working within the organisation, where you will be actively involved in tasks and projects with the support of a mentor. The work is hybrid — partly in person and partly from home — depending on the nature of the tasks and the agreement with the organisation. During this period, you will gain concrete experience, learn about work processes, and develop the skills and knowledge needed for work in a non-governmental, youth, and socially-oriented environment. You will collaborate on projects, content preparation, communication, workshops, or other tasks, depending on the organisation’s focus and your own interests.

In the final phase, you will develop your own small project or project ideabased on your experiences during the programme with your mentor’s support. You will execute this project within the framework of the programme and present it at the conclusion, connecting your knowledge, practice, and interests into a well-rounded learning experience.

Benefits for participants:

  • Insight into the workings of the NGO, youth, and socially-oriented sectors;
  • Practical work experience in established organisations;
  • Mentorship and support throughout the entire programme;
  • Development of professional, communication, and organisational skills;
  • Experience in working on your own project and publicly presenting an idea;
  • Better preparedness for entering the labour market;
  • Reimbursement of travel and meal expenses, and costs for the use of your own equipment;
  • An excellent professional reference.

The programme offers learning through practice, contact with experienced organisations, and an opportunity to test, in a safe and encouraging environment, whether you see yourself in these sectors and which role suits you best.

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