Building Pathways to Economic Mobility in Europe

Economic mobility — the ability of individuals to improve their economic status — is a cornerstone of societal health and progress. In Europe, economic mobility varies significantly across countries, with some regions grappling with more profound challenges than others. This article explores the current state of economic mobility in Europe, identifies key challenges, and highlights Generation’s transformative work in fostering economic mobility across the continent.

The State of Economic Mobility in Europe

Economic mobility in Europe is influenced by many factors, including education, employment opportunities, and social policies. According to recent data, there are stark differences in mobility rates across European countries. Northern European countries such as Denmark and Finland tend to have higher rates of economic mobility thanks to robust welfare systems and comprehensive educational policies. Conversely, Southern and Eastern European countries often face lower mobility rates, struggling with higher youth unemployment and less developed social safety nets.

Key Challenges to European Economic Mobility

• Youth unemployment: One of the most pressing challenges is the high rate of youth unemployment — 14.4% in the European Union as of April 2024. High youth unemployment rates severely limit young people’s opportunities to improve their economic status.
• Education-employment mismatch: There is often a disconnect between the skills taught in educational institutions and the labor market’s needs. This mismatch leaves many graduates unable to find suitable employment, contributing to underemployment and job dissatisfaction.
• Inequality in education access: Access to quality education remains uneven across Europe, with students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often receiving subpar education, which hampers their ability to climb the economic ladder.
• Economic disparities: Economic disparities between regions within countries also pose a significant challenge. For example, there are substantial differences in economic opportunities between urban and rural areas, further entrenching inequality.

Generation’s Impact on Economic Mobility in Europe

Generation is a global nonprofit organization making strides in improving economic mobility in Europe. By preparing people for and placing them into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible — and providing crucial support throughout the process — we are seeing success across multiple European countries.

Key Initiatives and Success Stories

• Employment programs: Generation offers targeted employment programs that equip individuals with the skills needed in high-demand sectors, such as technology, healthcare, and customer service. Spanning 79 cities across Europe, our programs have served more than 15,000 graduates since launch. The number of program participants has grown each year, with 4,794 European learners benefiting from our programs in 2023 alone.
• Focus on inclusivity: Generation’s programs are particularly impactful for people who face systemic barriers, including immigrants, long-term unemployed individuals, and those from low-income backgrounds. Among our learners in Europe, 88% are unemployed, 64% do not have a university degree, and 32% struggle to meet daily financial needs or receive financial assistance. By providing tailored support and resources, Generation helps people overcome barriers to employment.
• Strong employment outcomes: Generation graduates in Europe have impressive employment outcomes as seen in our recent European Impact Report. For instance, 86% of our alumni are currently engaged in paid work 2-5 years after graduation and 95% of employed alumni earn above a living wage. Additionally, they typically hold jobs in sectors with substantial career progression opportunities, further enhancing long-term economic mobility.
• Overall wellness benefits: Financial health is by no means the only area of improvement our learners see after graduating from our employment programs. Alumni consistently report increased mental wellness; 84% feel confident in their ability to achieve their professional goals, while 78% feel optimistic about their future.
• Collaborations with employers: Generation collaborates closely with employers to understand their needs and tailor training programs accordingly. This partnership approach ensures that graduates are well prepared for the demands of the job market, increasing their employability and job retention rates.

Country-Specific Impacts

• The United Kingdom: Generation has launched programs focused on technology and customer service roles in the UK. These programs have been particularly successful in helping long-term unemployed individuals re-enter the workforce, with many graduates securing roles in leading companies.
• Spain: Spain’s high youth unemployment rate makes Generation’s work particularly crucial. The organization’s intensive boot camps in digital and tech skills have been instrumental in placing young people in rewarding careers, significantly improving their economic prospects.
• France: Generation has focused on healthcare and digital skills training in France. The programs have seen a high placement rate, with many graduates finding stable employment in these essential sectors, thereby enhancing their economic stability and mobility.
• Italy: Generation’s initiatives in Italy have centered around the hospitality and customer service industries. These programs not only provide participants with practical skills but also help bridge the gap between education and employment, fostering greater economic mobility.

The Broader Impact of Generation’s Work

Generation’s efforts extend beyond immediate job placements. Our holistic approach includes ongoing mentorship and support, which helps graduates not only secure employment but also thrive in their careers. This sustained support network is crucial for long-term economic mobility, as it provides individuals with the resources and guidance needed to navigate career challenges and seize new opportunities.

Furthermore, Generation’s success stories inspire broader systemic change. By demonstrating the efficacy of tailored training programs and strong employer partnerships, Generation sets a benchmark for other organizations and governments looking to improve economic mobility.

Economic mobility is a critical issue in Europe, with significant disparities across different regions and demographic groups. Addressing the challenges of youth unemployment, education-employment mismatches, and inequality in education access requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society. Generation’s impactful work aims to be a model for effective intervention. Through targeted employment programs, strong employer collaborations, and a focus on inclusivity, we are creating pathways to economic mobility for thousands of individuals, helping to build a more equitable and prosperous Europe.

At Generation, we’re making a life-changing career available to anyone, anywhere. Explore our employment programs to see the professions we support, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!