Four former participants (L-R): Yasmine; Johann; Neima; Yann; Credit: Jazmin Campbell, Chronicle.lu

On Friday 8 May 2026, Luxembourg non-profit organisation Youth & Work presented a new edition of its "Future Generation" programme, aimed at helping young people transition into education, training and employment.

Building on the success of the first phase, the expanded second edition will provide more targeted support for young people in Luxembourg seeking direction in their professional lives.

Designed as an innovative springboard into the world of work, Future Generation is aimed particularly at young adults exploring career options or facing barriers to education or employment. Rather than following a traditional approach, participants are integrated directly into real-world business projects, developing concrete solutions to real problems while gaining practical, professional experience.

Speaking at the launch event, Youth & Work representatives highlighted the programme's dual focus on professional and personal development, helping participants build self-confidence, responsibility and operational skills.

Kristina Nincevic and Ariane Toepfer, Youth & Work co-directors and coaches, presented the first edition in more detail. Kristina noted that the programme was originally created during the COVID-19 pandemic to help young people reconnect, feel less isolated and rebuild confidence. "The goal is to strengthen what works and provide new impetus to better meet the needs of young people and the labour market," she said of the second edition.

Ariane presented an overview of the projects and the outcomes from the first four years (2021-2025), during which:

  • 207 young people participated;
  • 80% found employment or training within twelve months;
  • 90% reported a significant improvement in their life situation after four years;
  • professional skills increased by an average of 24%, while well-being increased by 19%.

A total of fourteen projects were completed in partnership with companies and institutions.

According to the organisers, the programme's success stems from its open and supportive learning environment, intensive individual coaching, a strong feedback culture from coaches and company representatives, and hands-on learning in diverse groups.

Several former participants shared their experiences during the launch event at Subtile art gallery in Luxembourg-Belair on Friday morning.

Yann, who took part in a TikTok-related project with PwC, said the programme helped him gain confidence and project management experience. He explained that before joining, he had lacked clear professional direction. Following the programme, he co-founded a non-profit organisation with a friend, supported the launch of a personal project and now holds a permanent contract managing a team.

Another participant, Johann, said his experience on a project with Cactus SA led to permanent employment with the company. He said he was "very happy" and grateful for the opportunity.

Neima participated in a city nightlife project with the City of Luxembourg (VdL). She spoke of her initial hesitation but, thanks to practice and positive feedback, she gained confidence and improved her public speaking skills.

Yasmine, who took part in a project with energy company Creos, described the experience as transformative. She appreciated how the coaches offered guidance rather than just telling participants what to do. She described it as an "amazing experience" in which coaches help participants rediscover and reinvent themselves "in the best possible version". Yasmine has since launched her own business.

There were also testimonies from partner representatives, including Cactus, which will kick off the second edition of the programme.

Véronique Schmitt, Marketing, Communication and CSR Director of Cactus SA, said working with participants had brought valuable fresh perspectives: "The collaboration with Future Generation allowed us to work with engaged, creative and purpose-seeking young people on a genuine communication challenge. Their ideas and understanding of their generation's codes brought real added value to our thinking."

Alderman Paul Galles spoke on behalf of the VdL, describing the previous joint project as "a very nice experience," in which participants presented their results to the aldermen council, who in turn agreed to use these results to develop their vision of nightlife in the capital.

The second phase of Future Generation will run from April 2026 to March 2030 and aims to support 240 young people (in groups of about 20) aged sixteen to 30 living in Luxembourg who are in transition or not currently in employment, education or training. The second edition will involve projects hosted at twelve businesses.

The programme has been redesigned based on participant feedback and lessons learned.

It is now structured as an eight-week programme divided into three phases:

- two weeks of personal development preparation;
- four weeks working on-site within partner companies;
- two weeks of professional follow-up and career planning.

Kristina Nincevic said the revised format is intended to ensure every participant leaves with a realistic and individualised professional plan.

The programme has set ambitious goals, including:

  • 70% of participants entering employment or training within twelve months;
  • 80% developing a realistic career plan;
  • a 30% increase in personal skills;
  • approximately 20% improvements in professional and social skills, as well as self-esteem.

"We believe in the potential of youth," the organisers emphasised.

Youth & Work also announced plans to accompany the second phase with a scientific study to better measure (quantifiably) the programme’s long-term impact.

The second edition of the programme is being funded by the André Losch Foundation and supported by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts and Chamber of Employees. It relies on a broad network of partners. During the first phase of the project, it also benefited from support from the Oeuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte.

Daniela Ragni, Director of the André Losch Foundation, said the organisation chose to support the project again because of both the team's professionalism and the programme's measurable impact. "We are deeply convinced of the relevance of its mission and the quality of its work," she said, noting that it is "not just another coaching programme".

Cactus will host the next group beginning at the end of May 2026. An information session will be held on Monday 11 May 2026. Interested individuals can obtain information and register via the Youth & Work website: www.youth-and-work.lu.

Explaining how young people can apply, Elisa Spada from Youth & Work said there are two main eligibility criteria: applicants must be aged between sixteen and 30 and available full-time for the programme's eight-week duration.

Participants are recruited through Youth & Work's coaching network across Luxembourg, direct applications (via email, the website contact form or telephone) and word of mouth (from former participants). She encouraged eligible young people to apply, saying: "If you're young and available, contact us."

((L-R) Former participant Yann; Elisa Spada, Future Generation project assistant)