The Skills@Work Challenge is a national and international competition to encourage young people to use their skills in enterprising and innovative ways, ultimately increasing their employability and entrepreneurial flair.

Together with Junior Achievement – Young Enterprise (JA-YE) in Serbia we have created an enterprise competition for young people aged 15-18 in vocational schools.

This year we are organising four national challenges in Serbia as well as the international finals (to be held in Belgrade in April 2010). First of the challenges was supposed to be held in Novi Pazar on 11 November 2009, but was postponed until further notice due to the Ministry of Education recommendation to put off any kind of student gatherings in order to reduce the risk of spreading the influenza virus.The business challenge for this event was set by USAID/Serbia Economic Growth Activity (SEGA). In this event, we are also working with the Sandzak Economic Development Agency (SEDA). Next challenge will be held in Belgrade and it will be hosted by Oracle.

Last year we had three challenges in Serbia. We also had one Serbian member of the winning team in the international finals in Bulgaria – Aleksandra Petronijevic. The award Aleksandra won was a visit to London for more skills and entrepreneurship development (visits to Google, Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, etc.)

JA-YE Europe represents 40 European countries in the world's largest organization in the field of entrepreneurship education (JA Worldwide). JA-YE uses hands-on experiences at all ages to help young people understand the economics of life, inspiring and preparing them for today's global economy. In partnership with thousands of business people and educators, they bring the real world to students and open their minds to their potential. JA-YE Serbia is part of JA-YE Europe. If you want to know more about JA-YE Serbia, please visit their official website.

Skills@Work is a part of the Skills for Employability programme.

For more information about Skills@Work Challenge, please contact Ivana Djurisic in our Belgrade office.