Deadline: 19-Sep-2025
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is introducing a new opportunity to strengthen the skills and employability of adolescents while fostering stronger connections between schools and the private sector.
With dedicated funding of $55,000, the program seeks to provide meaningful pathways for young people to gain practical experience, enhance their career prospects, and develop skills relevant to the future of work.
The initiative aims to offer at least 350 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 19 short-term practical training placements within private sector companies. These placements will be based on the interests of each participant, ensuring that the training aligns with their aspirations and supports their career growth. In addition, the program will directly involve at least 12 secondary schools across three regions of Montenegro, organizing in-school job fairs, company visits, and professional presentations. This connection will create opportunities for students to engage with the private sector and secure training placements matched to their skills and goals.
At least 30 private sector partners will be identified as host organizations for adolescents, drawing on both existing networks and new collaborations established through UNICEF and the TUI Care Foundation. Alongside this, the program emphasizes communication and visibility, ensuring that adolescents, schools, and partners have access to clear information about job-shadowing and training opportunities. Technical solutions and data collection will further strengthen the program by tracking participation and outcomes, providing valuable insights for expanding adolescent engagement.
The program is aligned with the broader objectives of the Prilike 2023–2026 project. It underscores the importance of combining nonformal and formal education by strengthening career orientation programs and fostering meaningful partnerships with the private sector. In particular, it supports the establishment of the TUI Academy in Montenegro, helping adolescents interested in tourism—the country’s key growth sector—acquire skills relevant to its development. It also encourages awareness among businesses about the importance of green jobs and green skills, ensuring that adolescents are prepared for the evolving demands of the labor market.
Overall, this UNICEF-led initiative represents a vital investment in young people’s futures. By bridging education and the private sector, it not only enhances the employability of adolescents but also contributes to the economic and social development of Montenegro, while ensuring that the rights and well-being of children and adolescents remain at the center of its design and implementation.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
