Between 10 and 16 May 2026, the Erasmus+ project “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Energy Future”, project acronym EY4SEF, implemented under project number 2025-1-MT01-KA154-YOU-000297538, brought together young people in Bozüyük, Bilecik, Turkey, for the workshop “Jobs of the Future, Green Skills.” The activity was organised within Key Action 1 – Youth and focused on preparing young people for the changing labour market, where environmental awareness, sustainable practices and green competences are becoming increasingly important.
The workshop responded to one of the most relevant challenges of today: how young people can prepare for future jobs while also contributing to a more sustainable society. As climate change, environmental degradation and the transition towards cleaner economies continue to shape the world of work, young people need not only information, but also practical skills, confidence and a clear understanding of the opportunities available to them. The Turkey event was designed to answer this need by helping participants explore the connection between sustainability, innovation and employment.
The activity took place in Bozüyük, a district of Bilecik Province in Türkiye. Bozüyük is known as an important economic, social and political centre of the province. The district has a rich historical background and is linked to the Bozüyük Mound, discovered during the construction of the Istanbul-Ankara railway in 1890. Hosting the activity in this local context gave participants the opportunity to connect the theme of sustainability with a real community setting and to reflect on how green skills can be applied not only at European level, but also in local and regional realities.
Aim of the Workshop
The “Jobs of the Future, Green Skills” workshop aimed to equip young people with the knowledge, awareness and practical competences needed for the emerging green economy. The programme introduced participants to the concept of green jobs, meaning careers and professional roles that contribute to environmental sustainability, climate protection, resource efficiency and responsible development.
Throughout the activity, participants explored sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, green construction, eco-innovation and green technology. These sectors are becoming increasingly important as societies and companies move towards more sustainable models of production, consumption and development.
The workshop also highlighted that green skills are not relevant only for people who want to work directly in environmental fields. On the contrary, sustainability is becoming important across many industries. Businesses, public institutions, NGOs, schools and local communities increasingly need people who can think critically about environmental impact, reduce waste, use resources responsibly, plan sustainable actions and communicate the value of sustainability.
The activity directly supported the objectives of the EY4SEF project by empowering young people to understand the future job market and to develop the skills necessary to participate in it. By the end of the workshop, participants gained a clearer understanding of how they can contribute to a sustainable future while also building meaningful and fulfilling career pathways.
Learning Methods and Educational Approach
The Turkey workshop was based mainly on non-formal and informal learning methods. This approach encouraged participants to learn actively through experience, dialogue, cooperation and reflection. Instead of only receiving information, participants were invited to discuss, analyse, practise, create and present their own ideas.
The programme included ice-breaking activities, group discussions, practical workshops, peer learning, case studies, real-life examples, team exercises, expert input, project development activities, action planning and reflection sessions. These methods supported active participation and helped participants connect the topics of the workshop with their own interests, personal experiences and future ambitions.
The use of non-formal education was especially important because green skills are not only theoretical concepts. They require practical thinking, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving and the ability to apply knowledge in real situations. Through the workshop activities, young people were encouraged to reflect on their own potential and to see themselves as future contributors to environmental and social change.
Day 1: Introduction to Green Skills and Future Job Trends
The first working day, 11 May 2026, focused on introducing participants to the theme of the workshop and creating a collaborative group atmosphere. The morning began with ice-breaking activities that encouraged participants to introduce themselves, share their interests and express their expectations related to sustainability and future jobs.
After the introductory activities, participants were introduced to the main objectives of the workshop. The facilitators presented the concept of green skills, explaining why these competences are becoming increasingly important in the modern labour market. Participants explored emerging trends in green employment and discussed how environmental challenges are influencing the future of work.
The morning session also included group discussions on what green skills mean and how they relate to future careers in areas such as renewable energy, waste management and sustainable agriculture. These discussions helped participants understand that the transition towards sustainability creates not only environmental responsibilities, but also new professional opportunities.
In the afternoon, participants took part in a group exercise focused on identifying green skills in everyday life. They reflected on how they were already practising sustainability through daily habits, personal choices or community activities. This helped them realise that many green competences begin with awareness and responsible behaviour, but can later be developed into professional skills.
The facilitators led a discussion on the importance of integrating green skills into different sectors. Participants also began mapping their own skills, interests and areas for future development related to green jobs. This first day created a strong foundation for the rest of the workshop by connecting personal experience with broader labour market trends.
Day 2: Green Industries and Sustainable Practices
On 12 May 2026, the workshop focused on key industries that are already integrating green skills and sustainable practices. The morning session provided an overview of sectors such as renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, green construction and eco-innovation.
Participants learned how these fields are developing and why they are important for the future of the economy. They explored how renewable energy can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, how circular economy models can limit waste, how sustainable agriculture can protect natural resources, and how green construction can create healthier and more energy-efficient buildings.
In the afternoon, participants joined workshops on specific green skills, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable farming and green technology. Working in smaller groups, they analysed case studies and real-life examples showing how these skills are used in practice.
Each group presented its findings and discussed how green skills can be applied in different industries. This activity helped participants understand that sustainability is not limited to one sector. It can be integrated into many professional areas, from engineering and agriculture to education, entrepreneurship, public administration and community development.
The second day strengthened participants’ understanding of how green skills can become practical tools for innovation, employment and local change.
Day 3: Future Green Jobs and Career Paths
The third working day, 13 May 2026, focused on future green jobs and career opportunities. The morning session included presentations by guest speakers or industry experts working in green sectors. These professionals shared insights into the future of green employment, the competences required and the opportunities available in their areas of work.
This interaction with experts gave participants a more realistic understanding of the labour market. They had the chance to ask questions, discuss professional pathways and learn directly from people with experience in sustainability-related fields. The session helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real career possibilities.
In the afternoon, participants worked on translating green skills into career opportunities. Through group discussions and exercises, they reflected on their own interests, strengths and ambitions. They began creating personalised career pathways based on the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop.
Participants also worked on developing resumes that highlight green skills. This was an important practical component of the programme because it helped young people understand how to communicate sustainability-related competences to future employers, educational institutions or project partners.
The session also included discussions on the value of sustainability in the workplace. Participants explored how employers increasingly appreciate skills such as environmental awareness, responsible resource use, innovation, adaptability, teamwork and problem-solving. By the end of the day, young people had a clearer vision of how they could connect their personal career goals with the wider transition towards a greener economy.
Day 4: Building Skills for Green Jobs
On 14 May 2026, the workshop moved deeper into skills development. The morning session included interactive workshops focused on key green competences, such as project management for sustainability, leadership in green initiatives and environmental policy.
Participants engaged in practical activities, including creating sustainable action plans and assessing the environmental impact of a project. These activities helped them understand how sustainability can be planned, implemented and evaluated in concrete situations.
The focus on project management was particularly relevant because many young people are interested in creating initiatives, campaigns or local actions but may not always know how to structure them. Through this session, participants learned the importance of clear objectives, realistic planning, teamwork, responsibilities, timelines and measurable results.
In the afternoon, participants worked in teams to create a sustainable project idea addressing a local or global issue. They were encouraged to use the green skills they had learned during the previous days and to think creatively about solutions. Each group discussed how its project could be implemented, what resources would be needed and what skills would be necessary for success.
The groups then presented their ideas, allowing participants to practise public speaking, teamwork and constructive feedback. This session transformed the learning process into practical outputs and gave participants the opportunity to act as young innovators and change-makers.
Day 5: Green Skills in Action and Reflection
The final working day, 15 May 2026, focused on reflection, action planning and future steps. In the morning, participants reviewed the green skills they had gained and reflected on the job opportunities they could now identify for themselves.
Facilitators guided participants in creating action plans to continue developing their green skills after the workshop. These plans included possible next steps such as online courses, internships, volunteering opportunities, local projects, further training and personal learning goals.
This session was important because it ensured that the impact of the workshop would continue after the mobility ended. Participants were encouraged to see the event not as a one-time experience, but as the beginning of a longer learning and development process.
In the afternoon, each team presented its action plan and shared reflections on what they had learned. The final presentations showed how participants had developed their understanding of sustainability, green employment and their own role in the future labour market.
The workshop concluded with a discussion on how young people can continue contributing to a sustainable future, both personally and professionally. Participants also provided feedback about their experience, allowing organisers and facilitators to reflect on the quality and impact of the activity.
Practical and Intercultural Dimension
The workshop was not only a learning activity, but also an intercultural experience. Bringing young people together in Turkey created opportunities for dialogue, cooperation and exchange of perspectives. Participants were able to compare realities from different countries and discuss how sustainability challenges appear in different local contexts.
The event also encouraged participants to think about the European dimension of green transition. Although environmental issues are global, solutions often begin locally. Through the programme, participants were encouraged to understand how European cooperation can support youth engagement, skills development and sustainable action.
Bozüyük offered a meaningful setting for the activity, combining local identity, accessibility and community relevance. Participants had the opportunity to discover a Turkish district with historical and economic importance while working on topics that are central to Europe’s future.
Travel, Participation and Dissemination Responsibilities
The workshop was funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, which supported selected participants by covering transportation, meals and other essential project-related costs according to the rules of the programme. Participants were informed about the importance of having valid health insurance in Turkey during the full period of stay, including coverage for accidents, emergencies, repatriation and civil responsibility.
Participants were also reminded that travel reimbursement depended on the submission of boarding passes, tickets and invoices, as well as prior approval of travel arrangements. Eco-friendly behaviour was encouraged, including buying tickets online and checking in online whenever possible.
As part of their responsibilities, participants were expected to complete the EU Participant Mobility Report and to carry out dissemination activities after the event. These could include sharing the project results through an article, blog interview, social media post or other publicity activity. Participants were also encouraged to organise at least one follow-up activity using the knowledge and experience gained during the workshop.
Photos and project materials were planned to be used for dissemination purposes, helping to share the results of the workshop through websites, social media channels and partner communication platforms.
Results and Impact
The “Jobs of the Future, Green Skills” workshop had a strong educational and personal impact on participants. It increased their awareness of the green economy and helped them understand how sustainability is transforming the labour market.
Participants gained knowledge about green industries, future job trends and the skills needed to succeed in sustainability-related fields. They also developed practical competences in communication, teamwork, project planning, leadership, career reflection and action planning.
One of the most important outcomes of the workshop was that participants became more confident in seeing themselves as active contributors to a sustainable future. They learned that green skills are not only technical competences, but also include critical thinking, creativity, responsibility, adaptability and cooperation.
The activity also supported the broader goals of the Erasmus+ Programme by promoting youth participation, active citizenship, employability, intercultural dialogue and environmental responsibility. It encouraged young people to connect their personal development with wider European and global priorities.
Through group projects and action plans, participants transformed their learning into concrete ideas. These outputs showed that young people can develop meaningful responses to environmental and employment challenges when they are given the right tools, guidance and space for cooperation.
Conclusion
The Erasmus+ workshop “Jobs of the Future, Green Skills”, organised in Bozüyük, Bilecik, Turkey, was a valuable learning experience within the project “Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Energy Future – EY4SEF.” The event helped participants understand the importance of green skills and prepared them to think more clearly about their role in the future labour market.
Through non-formal education, expert input, group work, practical exercises and reflection activities, participants explored how sustainability and employment are connected. They discovered new career possibilities, developed project ideas and created action plans for continuing their learning after the workshop. The Turkey event demonstrated that young people have the potential to become leaders of the green transition. By developing the right skills and mindset, they can contribute to environmental sustainability while also building meaningful careers. The workshop strengthened the message that the jobs of the future will require not only knowledge and innovation, but also responsibility, cooperation and a strong commitment to a sustainable world.
