NextGen Opportunity
Erasmus+ European Youth Together Programme
Young people across Europe are facing increasing challenges when it comes to employment, participation, and inclusion.
NextGen Opportunity is a transnational Erasmus Youth project that brings together organisations and young people from across Europe to address youth unemployment, social exclusion, and limited access to opportunities, particularly for those from marginalised and rural communities.
NextGen Opportunity focuses on building practical pathways for young people to develop skills, engage in society, and shape their own futures.
What the project is about
The project works directly with young people aged 16–30, particularly those who:
- Are not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
- Come from migrant or minority backgrounds
- Live in rural or isolated areas
- Face social or economic disadvantage
Through a combination of research, engagement, and practical activities, the project aims to identify real barriers and develop solutions that work at local, national, and European levels.
Our role in Ireland
At Blackwater Training, we are leading the Irish strand of the project, working directly with young people in rural communities.
Our work includes:
- Organising focus groups with young people to understand their experiences
- Conducting interviews with professionals and stakeholders working in youth, education, and employment
- Mapping local barriers to participation and employment
- Feeding real insights into the wider European project
This ensures that the voices of young people in rural Ireland are heard and represented at European level.
What young people will gain
Participants in the project will:
- Share their experiences and shape real research
- Build confidence and communication skills
- Learn about opportunities at local and European level
- Connect with other young people and organisations
- Contribute to solutions that can influence future policy and programmes
This is about giving young people a voice - and making sure that voice leads to change.
Why it matters
Across Europe, many young people face:
- Limited access to employment opportunities
- Lack of support in transitioning from education to work
- Social isolation, particularly in rural areas
- Barriers linked to migration, language, or discrimination
NextGen Opportunity aims to:
- Create more inclusive pathways into employment
- Strengthen youth participation in decision-making
- Improve understanding of the challenges young people face
- Support organisations to respond more effectively
Project details
- Programme: Erasmus+ European Youth Together
- Duration: 2025–2027
- Location: Activities delivered locally in Ireland and across partner countries
Get involved
We are currently engaging with young people and stakeholders across the region.
If you are:
- A young person aged 16–30
- A youth worker, educator, or employer
- An organisation working with young people
We would love to hear from you.
📧 info@blackwatertraining.ie | debbie@blackwatertraining.ie
📞 083 003 6312
📍 Bailieborough Business Centre, Co. Cavan