At Sharek Youth Forum, we help young people move from learning to earning. Through structured workforce-readiness training and paid internship opportunities, we equip university graduates, vocational trainees, and job seekers with the practical skills, professional mindset, and real workplace exposure they need to enter the labor market with confidence.

Our approach goes beyond preparation. By linking training directly to employers and real placements, the programme has contributed to employment opportunities for many participants, as paid internships and work-based learning often serve as a pathway into longer-term jobs.

Preparing Youth for the Job Market

Sharek delivers targeted training that strengthens employability and workplace performance, including:

• job-readiness and workplace skills (communication, teamwork, professionalism, ethics)
• CV and interview preparation
• career guidance and job search skills
• sector-relevant practical skills aligned with market needs

This training is designed to ensure participants are ready to succeed in real work environments—not only to complete an internship.

Creating Paid Internship Opportunities

A key strength of Sharek’s model is its ability to create paid internship placements for participants, allowing youth to gain experience while earning income. These opportunities support smoother transitions into the workforce and improve youth ability to commit to training and placements, especially under difficult economic conditions.

Partnerships That Make Employment Pathways Possible

This component is driven by strong institutional partnerships. Sharek works through:

• Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Palestinian universities, enabling systematic access to graduates, career centers, and structured internship pathways
• Active partnerships with the private sector, connecting youth to companies across multiple industries
• Collaboration with civil society organizations and other employers, expanding placement options and widening exposure to different work environments
• Coordination with relevant government bodies—particularly the Ministry of Labor, to support alignment with national employment priorities, promote decent work standards, and strengthen pathways from training to employment
• Engagement with other relevant public institutions when needed, including the Ministry of Labor, education and TVET-related authorities, and local governance bodies, to facilitate outreach, referrals, and coordinated implementation across locations

From Internships to Jobs: Lasting Impact

By combining training with paid placements and employer engagement, Sharek supports a more sustainable employment ecosystem that benefits both youth and employers. Participants gain the experience and confidence employers seek, while partners gain access to motivated, prepared young professionals—creating a pathway where internships frequently lead to real employment and longer-term career growth.