Across Europe, cities are experimenting with new ways to support young people who struggle to enter the labour market or continue their education. While some initiatives focus on providing first job opportunities, others concentrate on reaching young people who have already become disconnected from both school and employment.
In Tallinn, the “Hoog sisse” (“Gain momentum”) program addresses this challenge by working directly with young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Since its launch in 2019, the program has aimed to rebuild motivation, strengthen skills and guide young people back into education or the labour market.
By combining personal mentoring, outreach work and cooperation with education and employment services, the program offers a practical model for cities seeking to reduce youth exclusion and improve long-term employability.
A program built on trust and outreach
One of the central ideas behind the “Hoog sisse” program is that young people who are disconnected from education or work are often difficult to reach through traditional services.
To address this, program specialists focus on actively finding and engaging young people, building trust and maintaining contact over time. Their role is not only to provide advice, but also to help young people understand their opportunities and develop realistic pathways forward.
The program offers free individual support, including counseling, motivation work and guidance on education and employment options. The goal is to help young people identify their strengths, overcome barriers and take concrete steps toward education or work.
Who the program supports
“Hoog sisse” is primarily designed for young people aged roughly 13–29 in Tallinn who are not studying or working. These young people often face multiple barriers when trying to enter education or the labour market.
Common challenges include:
- interrupted education pathways
- limited work experience
- lack of professional or language skills
- low confidence or motivation
- social or economic difficulties
Many participants belong to the broader group of young people known as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) – a group that cities across Europe are increasingly prioritising in their social and employment policies.
How the program works
The program focuses on individualised support rather than a single financial incentive or training scheme.
Youth specialists work directly with participants to:
- establish contact and build trust
- assess the young person’s situation and goals
- provide motivation and career guidance
- connect them with education, training or employment opportunities
- maintain follow-up contact after they start studying or working
This continuous relationship helps ensure that young people remain motivated and supported during their transition back into education or employment.
A social support model for youth re-engagement
Rather than focusing only on employment outcomes, “Hoog sisse” takes a holistic approach to youth development. By addressing motivation, confidence and skills alongside career guidance, the program helps young people regain direction in their lives.
The program’s approach highlights an important lesson for cities: supporting youth employability is not only about job creation. For many young people, the first step is re-establishing trust, motivation and a sense of possibility.
Through personal support and strong cooperation between youth workers, education providers and employers, Tallinn’s “Hoog sisse” program demonstrates how cities can help vulnerable young people reconnect with education and working life.