InternshipConnect in Dublin: a new milestone for the project

From 15 to 17 September 2026, the partners of the European InternshipConnect project met in Dublin for three days packed with discussions, new insights and progress.

This transnational meeting provided an opportunity to review the tools developed as part of the project, to share each partner’s progress and to prepare for the next stages of implementation. It also served as an opportunity to learn about several Irish schemes dedicated to supporting young people in securing work placements, apprenticeships and entry into the labour market.

Tools taking shape

Since the project’s launch, the partners have been working to create shared tools to better prepare, support and monitor young people on their mobility journeys.

In Dublin, several outputs were presented and explored in greater depth: the pathway to work placement preparation, training courses for facilitators and mentors, the project’s mobile app, Open Badges, monitoring tools and the project’s future Toolbox.

These discussions enabled the sharing of best practices across different countries, the continued harmonisation of the model and the gradual preparation for its implementation on the ground.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the project’s evaluation, its communication and visibility, as well as the next steps to be taken.

A day spent working closely with those on the ground

The third day was entirely devoted to visiting Irish organisations that support young people at various stages of their journey.

Trinity Comprehensive School

The morning began with a visit to Trinity Comprehensive School, a school that emphasises an inclusive learning environment and the academic, social, emotional and creative development of its pupils.

In particular, the partners were able to learn about how the Transition Year works – a unique year within the Irish school system that enables young people to explore different fields, reflect on their future direction and gain initial work experience.

Discussions with pupils and teaching staff provided a better understanding of the importance placed on autonomy: young people are directly involved in finding their own work placements and in shaping their career plans.

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Finglas Training Centre

The visit continued at the Finglas Training Centre, run by the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB).

This centre accommodates more than 500 learners across a range of programmes: full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships, evening classes and community programmes. The fields on offer are varied, ranging from IT and engineering to plumbing, renewable energy and aircraft maintenance.

This visit enabled the partners to gain a better understanding of how vocational apprenticeships work in Ireland – based on alternating between training and work experience – and to discuss directly with the staff the pathways available to young people.

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Ballymun Youth Reach

In the afternoon, the group was welcomed by Ballymun Youth Reach, which is also part of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board.

This organisation offers a genuine second chance at education to young people who have left the mainstream school system. It mainly caters for young people aged 16 to 20 and provides them with a highly practical environment, featuring dedicated spaces for IT, woodwork, cookery, the arts, cosmetics, audio recording and 3D printing.

The visit highlighted the importance of personalised support and hands-on learning in the gradual rebuilding of a training pathway and a career plan.

The discussions also showed just how essential social support can be for certain young people facing particular difficulties, notably anxiety or a breakdown in their relationship with the traditional school system.

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Experiences that directly inform InternshipConnect

These three visits provided an opportunity to observe very different yet complementary initiatives: secondary education, vocational training and support for young people who have left the school system.

They also brought to light several challenges common to the partner countries: promoting young people’s independence, better coordinating the various training pathways, strengthening links with businesses and tailoring support to the needs of each participant.

It is precisely this diversity of European experiences that feeds into the InternshipConnect project. By meeting with local stakeholders and discussing their practices, the partners can identify transferable approaches and gradually enrich the common model developed as part of the project.

Looking ahead

This meeting in Dublin marks a new stage for InternshipConnect.

The tools are continuing to take shape, the training programmes and resources for professionals are being finalised, and the partners are now preparing to roll them out across the various countries.