Economic independance & vocational training

We firmly believe that poverty strick-en young people and families can lead autonomous and self-deter-mined lives.

Achieving economic independence is a significant part of attaining this goal. CONCORDIA provides support through day care centers for children, counselling and professional coaching so parents can regain a foothold in the working world. In addition, we offer young people, who were previously unable to complete training due to personal difficulties, the opportunity to attend our vocational schools and complete work experience through our various social initiatives.

CONCORDIA Vocational Centre

The CONCORDIA Centre for Vocational Training and Personal Development is part of the CONCORDIA EDU-CAMPUS and provides an integrated educational model dedicated to vocational and high school students in Prahova County, Romania. Guided by the principle “Everyone Matters Here,” the centre supports young people in developing the professional, personal, and social skills needed for successful employment and independent living.

Our mission is to reduce the risk of school dropout and create meaningful opportunities for young people, many of whom come from vulnerable backgrounds. Through a holistic approach, we combine vocational training with personal development, career guidance, psychological support, and life-skills education, helping students build confidence and prepare for their future.

Between 2014 and 2024, CONCORDIA organised vocational training for 780 pupils at the Edu-Campus. Over 95 per cent of the pupils went on to establish themselves in the world of work.

The centre works in close partnership with several high schools and vocational schools across Prahova County. Every year, approximately 200 students complete their practical training in our workshops, gaining hands-on experience in a professional and supportive environment.

Students participate in both regular and intensive practical training placements, complemented by educational visits and experiential learning activities. These opportunities allow them to develop technical competencies while becoming familiar with real workplace expectations and standards.

Our vocational training facilities include specialized workshops in:

  • Bakery and Pastry
  • Cooking
  • Hospitality and Food Service
  • Horticulture

Learning is based on practical experience and guided by qualified trainers and industry professionals. 

Beyond vocational education, the centre provides a comprehensive personal development programme that includes financial literacy, psychological counselling, career orientation, job coaching, and social-emotional learning. Students are encouraged to discover their strengths, define career goals, develop communication and teamwork skills, and gain the tools necessary for independent and responsible living.

  • Jobcoaching

Financial independence is the basis for a stable life and, beyond that, for healthy self-esteem and the opportunity for social inclusion. Families can only stay together permanently if financial security is guaranteed which is why it is particularly important to support young people and adults who struggle to find employment. CONCORDIA assists with the preparation of documents, helps with the search for training, and offers practical support in communicative and social skills to prepare for job interviews. In addition, CONCORDIA can also provide job placement for the youth under our care.

An important part of our offer is also the teaching of so-called life skills in order to stay in the job in the long term. Often young people do not know what it means to work in a team or it is difficult for them to respect appointments and working hours. Many also lack the right way to handle money. In our courses we try to teach such everyday skills.

  • Social Business

CONCORDIA developed several social businesses in Romania and Bulgaria. We intend to generate income (the business aspect), but more important (the social aspect) to provide young people who are about to leave care with a protected and encouraging environment where they can learn and practice a profession. At the same they learn and practice the whole range of soft skills an employment require and in one to two years can confidently move on the regular labour market.