Lack of jobs: About a thousand young people miss out on summer work brigades again

TALLINN - While last year a thousand applicants were left without a spot in the work brigades due to a lack of state funding, this year the need was covered by additional funding from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications; however, with a large number of applicants, a shortage of employers became a new obstacle.

Young people have become increasingly active in the job market. A single summer job advertisement for minors published by the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa) received over 650 applications in three days. Nearly 2,000 applications were submitted to the Tallinn student work brigade, but there were initially only 800 spots available. Ultimately, 680 young people joined the Tallinn brigades, as several employers withdrew at the last minute. Across Estonia, approximately 5,600 young people participated in the brigades with state support, while at least 1,000 missed out on the experience due to a shortage of employers.

According to Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Erkki Keldo, young people are eager to learn, bring fresh perspectives, and adapt quickly. "I have made it my personal mission to offer more positive work opportunities to young people, because if we want more conscientious people in the future labor market, young people must have the chance to prove themselves. To this end, we have made youth employment more flexible and reduced unnecessary restrictions so that more young people can gain their first work experience," Keldo said.

Besides providing initial work experience, the brigades also play a crucial role in developing young people's social skills and preventing mental health issues. This summer, special attention was paid to those who might need more support. For instance, groups were created for youth from care homes, young people with special needs, and, through the "Hoog sisse" (Get a Move On) support program, for young people who are neither studying nor working.

"The work brigade summer was a complete success, as employers were very pleased with the young people's work, and the youth were happy and grateful to have spent the best days of their summer in the brigade," said Külli Tatter, head of the Student Work Brigade Foundation (SA Õpilasmalev).

"Today's brigade member is tomorrow's capable colleague. Brigade members are an opportunity, not a headache. It is often feared that supervising a minor is extra work. It's easy to forget that the brigades always come with trained and certified group leaders who guide the young people. A young brigade member is responsible, and enterprising young people are an opportunity for an employer, not a headache," Tatter added.

According to Marta Miia Morel, who participated in a brigade, this year's summer was characterized by unity, support, and passion. "In the brigades, relationships are formed that extend far beyond a typical work experience. People become like family members to one another, sharing both their greatest joys and their most secret fears. Supporting each other gives young people self-confidence, motivation, and a sense of belonging."

"Even during the application process, you could see the young people's great desire to work, learn, and give their best. The student work brigade provides an opportunity to discover oneself, one's skills, and what young people are truly capable of. It is a place where you learn to get something real done with your own hands, but just as important is the feeling of belonging with people among whom there is joy, sparkle, empathy, and genuine caring," said Morel.