World Youth Skills Day, observed on 15th July every year, draws a line under the vital role of equipping the young generation with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This annual observance, instituted by the United Nations, serves as a clarion call for investing in skill development, innovation, and education that prepare our youth for the future.
The Importance of Youth Skills Development
The importance of youth skills development cannot be overstated in an increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape. Technological advancements, climate change, demographic shifts, and socio-political transformations are profoundly reshaping the world of work. As such, youth today need to be equipped with a diverse skill set that prepares them not only for the opportunities of today but also for the uncertainties of tomorrow.
Skills development is a powerful tool in mitigating youth unemployment and underemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering social and economic development. It’s not just about technical and vocational skills, but also about critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Celebrating World Youth Skills Day
On this World Youth Skills Day, we invite all stakeholders – governments, businesses, educators, and youth – to recognize the value of skills and commit to cultivating them.
For educators, the day underscores the importance of adopting educational approaches that encourage active learning, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. It is a call to integrate technical and vocational education into curricula, fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
For businesses, it is an opportunity to reflect on the skills they need now and in the future, to inform and invest in youth training programs, and to strengthen their collaboration with educational institutions.
For governments, it is a reminder to prioritize education and skills development in their policy agendas, to reduce the mismatch between the skills available and those demanded by the labor market, and to promote inclusive and equitable access to quality education.
For youth, this day is a celebration of their potential and a reminder of their responsibility to keep learning, adapting, and growing.
7 Ways to Celebrate World Youth Skills Day In Your Company
World Youth Skills Day is just around the corner, and it's a fantastic chance to highlight and promote the importance of skill development among young folks. Here are seven fun and engaging ways to celebrate this special day in your office.
7 Ways to Celebrate World Youth Skills Day In Your Company
World Youth Skills Day is just around the corner, and it's a fantastic chance to highlight and promote the importance of skill development among young folks. Here are seven fun and engaging ways to celebrate this special day in your office.
1- Skill Development Workshop:
Let's get hands-on! Organize a workshop or training session that focuses on key skills in your industry. Invite experts or seasoned professionals to share their wisdom and insights.
2- Mentoring Program:
Pair up experienced employees with younger colleagues for a mentoring program. It's a great way to foster a supportive and collaborative work environment.
3- Skill Showcase:
Give young employees a stage to show off their talents. Organize a talent show or an exhibition where they can strut their stuff and get some well-deserved recognition.
4- Career Development Workshops:
Let's talk about the future. Host workshops or panel discussions on career development, job search strategies, and interview skills.
5- Skills Assessment and Training:
Offer a chance for employees to assess their skills and identify areas for improvement. Provide training programs or resources to help them level up.
6- Knowledge Sharing Sessions:
Encourage employees to share their expertise and experiences. This can be done through presentations, lunch-and-learn sessions, or virtual webinars.
7- Recognition and Rewards:
Celebrate young employees who have shown exceptional skills or made significant contributions. A little recognition goes a long way in motivating them to continue developing their skills.
Day. Both private and government organizations should actively participate in helping employees learn new skills, contributing to the overall development of the company.
Benefits of Youth Skills Development
Here are some awesome benefits of youth skill development:
- Growing Competitiveness: Skill development ensures that youth become more competitive in the job market. It’s like having an extra ace up your sleeve!
- Facilitate Social Mobility: Skill development helps youth climb the social ladder by providing an equal opportunity to compete in the job market.
- Bridge the Gap: There’s often a gap between what education provides and what the industry requires. Skill development programs help bridge this gap with better resources.
Most in-demand skills for 2030
World Youth Skills Day emphasizes the need to equip our young generation with the necessary tools to navigate our rapidly evolving world. In honor of this important day, let’s delve into the skills that are anticipated to be most in demand by 2030 according to Forbes.
Augmented Working
As AI and automation continue to revolutionize various industries, one skill that will grow in importance is augmented working. This skill involves leveraging automation and AI to enhance personal capabilities, often automating mundane aspects of work to focus more on complex or human-centric tasks. This trend is expected to continue into the next decade, making augmented working an essential skill for future youth.
Sustainable Working
With growing concerns about climate change, sustainable working practices are gaining prominence. The ability to conduct work that minimizes waste recycles wherever possible, and reduces pollution is becoming increasingly desirable. By 2030, employers will likely seek candidates who can conduct their roles responsibly, with minimal environmental impact.
Critical Thinking and Analysis
In an age where information overload is commonplace, the ability to sort valuable information from noise is crucial. Critical thinking and analysis skills are required to assess information and determine its value. These skills will continue to be highly valued, given that AI isn’t yet fully equipped to distinguish between real and fake news, for instance.
Data Skills
As our world becomes increasingly data-driven, understanding the influence of data on one’s role is paramount. This understanding encompasses knowing where to source information, how to analyze it, and adhering to rules and regulations governing ethical data usage.
Virtual Collaborative Working Platforms
The traditional nine-to-five office routine is gradually making way for more flexible work arrangements. The skill to effectively use virtual collaborative working platforms for teamwork is therefore becoming essential. With the potential rise of virtual reality and metaverse platforms in the workplace, those who can function effectively in these new environments will be in high demand.
Creative Thinking
The capacity to innovate, solve problems creatively, and envision change will be key for jobs in 2030. Creative thinking will remain integral for businesses grappling with unfamiliar situations due to the accelerating pace of digital transformation.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence isn’t just a trait, but a skill set that can be honed. It involves understanding the impact of emotions on individuals’ abilities and work, both for oneself and others. Skills such as empathy will be increasingly vital, as they are difficult for machines to replicate.
Lifelong Learning
In today’s fast-paced digital era, the importance of lifelong learning cannot be overstated. The ability to consistently learn and adapt to the changing world around us will be one of the most crucial skills for the future.
Leadership Skills
While machines can perform routine tasks and make decisions based on data, they cannot inspire people. Good leadership involves the human ability to identify strengths and weaknesses, bringing out the best in people. Leadership skills, which encompass problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and creativity, will continue to be highly valued in the future.
This World Youth Skills Day, let’s celebrate these essential skills and commit to nurturing them among our youth. By doing so, we’re not just investing in their future—we’re investing in the future of our world and paving the path ahead for humanity.
