Upp! - a labour market measure for the young in Gothenburg We guide young Gothenburg citizens ages 16 to 24 towards studies, work and entrepreneurship. The City of Gothenburg is the owner of the project which is cofunded by the European Social Fund.

Guidance and activities

Every person is full of unique resources,have different qualifications and goals. We have what we call guides who listen to young peoples thoughts about the future in a guidance process. The guidance aims towards studies, work or entrepreneurship depending on each participant’s goal. Beyond guidance we have “meet and greetevents”, workshops, courses and other activities which brings the participant closer to her/his professional goal. The participant is responsible for following the plan set up for her/him. However we support and facilitate the growth process towards the goal.

Method

The work methods used in Upp! are unique. They are developed within the project in accordance with what the young want. The method has its background in a salutogenic approach, meaning we focus on what each young individual want, know and do good. Sense Of Coherence (SOC) is also at the
core of the method; we work with groups of participants in guidance. Together they identify their individual resources and in that sense find what they can contribute to a larger context. With a high rate of SOC one is well equipped to handle stress and changes in life – for example the transition
from studies to work. To support the guidance process we use a Compendium, which is basically a big toolbox assembled individually for each participant.

The Participants

Upp! targets people between 16 and 24 years old registered in the City of Gothenburg. Participation is completely voluntary and relies on each persons own motivation. We mainly work with those
outside – but close to – the labour market. The participants find us through marketing in schools, Facebook and the popular web service Spotify. They also find us through other social institutions
which we aim to complement such as the employment office. We are proud that the continuous evaluation indicates that our participants are happy with the support we offer them.

The webpage and our premises

The webpage functioning as a community where the participants can interact with one another, the working community and Upp! staff through forum discussions, chat and messages. Parts of the method can also be found online in an interactive version.

In the centre of Gothenburg we have modern spacious premises where we welcome everyone who is 16-24 years old to attend our courses, workshops and meet our guides. One can also borrow a computer with access to the Internet and printer. Or just hang around for a while,
study or play a board game.

Co-creation

We work actively with co-creation, that is we do not work for the young but together with the young. Reference groups have their say on everything from how an event should be carried out to what
the guidance contain. About ten ambassadors are employed by us to represent Upp! on different assignments such as fairs and events. There are functions on our website where one can wish and vote for different activities. When a suggestion has received enough votes we provide the
requested activity.

Young voices about Upp!

"I’ve come closer to myself. I’ve got a different perspective on the future and feel like I’ve grown as a person."

"The only one who can have an impact on my future is me. But I need tools to make it
easier. Thanks to Upp! I’ve got relevant work experience as an editor, journalist and event
planner. Opportunities I never would have got if it wasn’t for Upp! Upp! is my tool and
I’m the sculptor."

"It has helped me to focus on my goal, I’ve met people who are in the same situation as me, got help and support."

Project Upp!

Project owner: The City of Gothenburg, City Executive
Project time: 1 Jan 2010 – 31 Dec 2012
Goal: 6000 participants (4000 web members, 2000 active participants)

The City Executive of the City of Gothenburg is the owner of project Upp! 18 people work in the project. Our professions are among others: marketing, guide, employment officer, guidance counsellor and company matcher. 

Contact

Phone: +4631-368 05 93
E-mail: info@uppgoteborg.se
Address: Drottninggatan 16, SE-411 14 Göteborg, Sweden

Project manager: Mattias Rexmo +4631-368 05 61
mattias.rexmo@stadshuset.goteborg.se

EU-coordinator: Martina Kårfeldt +4631-368 06 47
martina.karfeldt@stadshuset.goteborg.se

Method developer: Åsa Johansson +4631-368 05 05
asa.johansson@stadshuset.goteborg.se

Market manager: Raquel Sanchez +4631-368 05 94
raquel.sanchez@stadshuset.goteborg.se