Many young migrants in Europe aged 18–30, despite their qualifications and potential, face serious barriers to labour market integration on a daily basis. These range from language difficulties and cultural gaps to social discrimination and the lack of recognition of their qualifications. The European project SMILE (Support Young Migrants’ Integration in the Labour Market in Europe) seeks to address this challenge through targeted actions aimed at developing key life skills (soft skills), personalised support through mentoring and coaching, networking with employers and employment stakeholders, and the creation of a practical framework that empowers these young people in their transition to the professional world and their social inclusion.

- SMILE adopts a holistic approach to this challenge by providing targeted educational tools, mentoring programmes, job shadowing opportunities, and cross-sectoral collaboration with employers, policy actors, and training providers.

The main pillars of the project include:

• Development and pilot implementation of an innovative soft skills training programme (communication, teamwork, problem-solving, etc.).
• Personalised support programmes (mentoring and coaching) for career guidance and labour market integration.
• Co-creation of tools and interventions involving young migrants, employers, and social stakeholders.
• Implementation of capacity-building activities for professionals working in the field.
• Organisation of multiplier events and transnational meetings to disseminate and promote the project’s results.

The programme places strong emphasis on the sustainability of results and knowledge transfer, fostering synergies at both local and European levels. Its approach is evidence-based while also relying on the active participation of migrants themselves, with the aim of enhancing empowerment, visibility, and professional integration in societies that are becoming increasingly multicultural.