Czech Business Today

In Europe, young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. According to the EUROSTAT data from January 2014, almost 5.556 million young people (under age of 25) were unemployed in the EU-28. At the beginning of May, the European Parliament opens its doors to approximately 5,000 young Europeans within European Youth Event 2014. Students and graduates from all the corners of Europe will gather to discuss ideas about young people’s concerns, dreams and future perspectives which will be provided to the newly elected MEPs in June. 

Czech university students and graduates in cooperation with CEBRE also take part in the event and prepare studies and recommendations on how to improve employment of young people. According to their findings, insufficient level of experience is one of the main reasons why young people are disadvantaged on the labour market. Czech students and graduates suggest some solutions. First, universities and businesses should establish a close partnership on providing students with practical experience which would lead to an effective bridge between gaining theoretical knowledge and practical skills during studies. Business community should also work closely with academia on shaping educational programmes that would reflect the needs of labour market. Universities should create career centres helping students to choose their career and a new job; incorporate internships as an obligatory part of the last year of university studies to provide students with work experience and contacts and last but not least issue an informal assessment of students ́ practical knowledge, experience and activities as a part of the final diploma. In their recommendations, Czech students have also identified barriers to youth in setting up a business. In their view, students should be taught how to set up their own business through business development courses. Universities should also set up advisory centres for young entrepreneurs. 

Furthermore, all useful information about the legislative framework, access to finance and administration should be gathered in one online source. More findings and recommendations of Czech students, based on conducted studies, will be presented at workshops during European Youth Event in Strasbourg on 9th and 10th May 2014.