Hack Lab - activate young people and people with a distance to the labour market and prepare them for a job in the IT sector

The primary objectives of the Hack Lab project were to provide young people, especially those with limited access to education and employment (NEETs and VET students), with practical IT and cybers...

The primary objectives of the Hack Lab project were to provide young people, especially those with limited access to education and employment (NEETs and VET students), with practical IT and cybersecurity skills to increase their employability. We aimed to foster social inclusion by creating both physical and virtual learning environments (Hack Lab and Hack Cave), tailored to participants' diverse needs. Additionally, the project sought to bridge the gap between vocational education and the growing labor market demand for cybersecurity professionals, while promoting lifelong learning and digital literacy.

For the implementation of the Hack Lab project, we carried out the following key activities: - Hack Lab Setup: We established a physical Hack Lab in San Sebastian, where participants engaged in practical cybersecurity training. - Hack Cave Virtual Program: We developed the Hack Cave, a virtual learning environment designed for those unable to attend the physical lab, allowing them to gain digital and cybersecurity skills through a safe, avatar-based community. - Workshops: We organized workshops on topics such as time management, ethical hacking, and software development to support participants' professional growth. - Impact Story Dissemination: We shared the project’s outcomes and success stories through social media (mainly LinkedIn) and regional meetings to engage stakeholders and raise awareness.

The Hack Lab project produced several concrete outputs and results: - Hack Lab in San Sebastian: A physical space where 15 participants received hands-on training in IT and cybersecurity skills. - Hack Cave: A virtual platform that engaged more than 20 participants in cybersecurity scenarios, enhancing their skills through interactive, game-based learning. - Workshops: Three workshops covering time management, ethical hacking, and software development were successfully delivered. - Dissemination and Impact: 20 anonymized impact stories were shared via LinkedIn and regional meetings, raising awareness and promoting the project’s methodologies. The impact of the Hack Lab project on participants was significant, both personally and professionally. Many of them, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, gained critical digital and cybersecurity skills, boosting their confidence and employability. Participants reported improved social skills, increased motivation, and a stronger sense of belonging. The Hack Cave, in particular, provided a supportive virtual environment where participants felt safe to explore their interests and develop their skills at their own pace, helping them overcome feelings of isolation.