Well-considered and informed career choice is encouraged in Valmiera
Summer Employment Programme
In June, July and August 2019, Valmiera hosted a summer employment programme for pupils, with a total of 281 participants. Of these, 66 pupils were directly employed in STEAM professions or companies within the framework of the “Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe” project. The programme was open to young people aged between 13 and 19 who are enrolled in general or vocational education and whose place of residence is Valmiera. The pupils worked fifteen working days, four hours a day. The aim of the Summer Employment Programme was to enable young people to acquire the necessary skills and competences and gain work experience, while being paid and spending their summer holidays in a meaningful way.
In total, 29 municipal authorities and companies in Valmiera participated in the student employment program, while pupils employed in the project " Next Generation Micro Cities of Europe " worked in 8 companies, such as Vidzeme Hospital, Valmiera Olympic Centre and dairy company Valmieras Piens.
Summer Career Camp "Open the Door, Discover Yourself".
As part of the project, a summer career camp called "Open the Door, Discover Yourself" took place in Valmiera in August, where young people aged 14-17 were invited to learn about themselves and explore different career options with the aim of making well-considered and informed career choices in future.
“An informed and purposeful career choice is important not only for the young people themselves, but also for Valmiera and our country as a whole. Children need to be given the opportunity to explore as many potential life paths as possible during school time so that they and we are confident that they are in the right place and doing their job with joy and dedication. I am delighted that young people are eager to get involved and are ready to spend a week of their summer vacations in such an interesting camp, make new friends, learn about their future and be inspired for the new school year, ”notes Mr. Gints Bertiņš, Head of Development Department of Valmiera City Council.
The camp was attended by 30 young people who wanted to make the right career choices for the future. During the five days, participants had the opportunity to discuss career choice challenges, meet interesting and inspiring professionals from different backgrounds, participate in team building activities and learn how to work in a team. Young people also participated in creative tech workshops, learned more about volunteering and social entrepreneurship, went on fieldtrip and met with a personal development coach. The Summer Career Camp was held in Valmiera for the first year, and it will continue in the future, too.
This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Urban Innovative Actions Initiative. This article only reflects the authors views and the Initiative authorities are not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained.
Jobs and skills in the local economy
