Vilnius District Municipality has successfully participated in a traineeship programme designed to support the integration of asylum seekers into the labour market. The initiative not only aims to provide valuable work experience but also fosters social connections and strengthens team dynamics within the hosting organisations.
One of the programme participants, Inesa from Ukraine, recently completed a two-month traineeship in the Services and Document Management Department of the Vilnius District Municipality Administration. During her traineeship, Inesa gained hands-on experience in administrative processes, deepened her professional skills, and improved her Lithuanian language abilities while interacting with both colleagues and visitors.
Vytautas Vansavičius, Director of the Vilnius District Municipality Administration, emphasized the importance of the programme: “This traineeship programme is crucial for the successful integration of asylum seekers. It not only helps them navigate the local labour market but also reinforces their sense of belonging in our community. We are pleased to have provided Inesa with an opportunity to learn, contribute, and feel like a valued member of our team.”
Gabriela Mickevič-Jara, the initiator of the programme and the coordinator of integration for Lithuanian residents of foreign origin at the Vilnius District Municipality Administration, highlighted the unique challenges faced by refugees: “A common issue for refugees and asylum seekers is the mismatch between their qualifications and the jobs they are offered. Language barriers, employers’ biases, and general misconceptions often result in highly qualified individuals being offered lower-skilled positions. This traineeship programme is a stepping stone towards finding roles that align with their competences, expanding their professional networks, and gaining confidence in the Lithuanian job market.”
Diana Šmigelskienė, Adviser to the Head of the Services and Document Management Unit and acting head of the department, echoed the sentiment: “The traineeship is a valuable experience not only for the trainees but also for the Municipality. New faces bring fresh perspectives, new competences, and enriching experiences that benefit the entire team.”
The programme, organised for the second year by the Diversity Charter in collaboration with the Reception and Integration Agency, the Lithuanian Red Cross, and Lithuanian Caritas, provides two-month traineeships in socially responsible companies and organisations. The goal is to equip asylum seekers with practical skills, broaden their professional networks, and enhance their employability in Lithuania.
Training on Intercultural Competences 2025 was delivered by experts from BBI Communication (Spain) and Skeiv Verden (Norway) to institutions hosting the trainees.
The project ‘Inclusive Recruitment – A Traineeship Model for Refugees’ runs from 1 November 2024 to 30 April 2025, funded by the European Economic Area and Norwegian financial mechanisms. The programme underscores the importance of inclusive employment practices and aims to empower refugees to find jobs that match their skills and qualifications.
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