In today’s rapidly evolving world, cultural and creative sectors (CCS) offer exciting opportunities for young people to engage with global markets, innovate, and bring fresh ideas to life. For women in these fields, building a sustainable career is often complicated by unique challenges, from underrepresentation to limited access to training and international networks. The YouthPass certification is changing this, offering a structured and recognized way to validate the skills and experiences gained through non-formal education, empowering women to step confidently into international opportunities.
What is YouthPass?
YouthPass is an official certificate provided by Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps to recognize learning outcomes gained in projects funded by these programs. This certification enables young people to document their growth in eight key competencies, such as communication, learning-to-learn, social and civic responsibility, and digital skills. YouthPass is particularly valuable in today’s global job market, where employers and project leaders value concrete evidence of these critical competencies. For women in CCS, this provides a stepping stone into both European and global professional environments, offering proof of the skills they’ve honed and the contributions they can bring.
ACHIEVE CCS Project and the Academy for Women in CCS
The ACHIEVE CCS project is dedicated to closing the gap between talented young women and the opportunities they need to thrive in CCS. As part of this project, we are thrilled to announce the Academy for Women in CCS — an initiative designed specifically to support and certify women youth workers and participants in cultural and creative fields. The Academy curriculum will be developed based on the European Training Strategy (ETS) Competency Model for Youth Workers, which will be focused on equipping participants with high-demand skills relevant to CCS.
This curriculum will integrate the ETS Competency Model’s principles, such as fostering creativity, encouraging intercultural understanding, and promoting the active engagement of youth in society. By aligning with the ETS standards, the Academy will equip women in CCS with practical, transferable skills that are both industry-relevant and internationally recognized.
Why YouthPass Matters for Women in CCS
As a certification that details the key competencies acquired, YouthPass can open new pathways to international opportunities for women in CCS, from working on cross-border projects to engaging with diverse creative communities. Here are a few reasons why YouthPass is invaluable:
- International Recognition: As an EU-backed certificate, YouthPass is recognized across Europe and increasingly by international organizations. This allows young women to showcase their skills confidently on a global scale.
- Skill Validation: The YouthPass framework reflects competencies that align with the needs of CCS, providing solid proof of skills in communication, leadership, and intercultural engagement—key areas for success in creative industries.
- Enhanced Employability: YouthPass signals to employers and collaborators that a candidate has completed structured, non-formal education in CCS, making them more competitive for job opportunities in this field.
- Empowerment and Confidence: For many young women, stepping into a creative or cultural role internationally can be daunting. YouthPass can empower them by validating their skills, allowing them to pursue projects, jobs, or further education opportunities with confidence.
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