This Monday, July 15th, is World Youth Skills Day! It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of skilled trades and educating the future generation of skilled trade professionals.
Why is World YOuth Skills Day important?
The manufacturing industry is going through what they call the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This will bring big changes to the workforce including how people work, and the skills that will be needed to adapt to the fast-changing technology. While technological advancements may result in the elimination of some jobs, they will also create many new positions. According to Goldman Sachs data the monthly rate of workers with little previous work experience getting jobs has plunged, falling to 13% from its previous peak of 20%. Despite the increasing job opportunities, the manufacturing industry is struggling to find qualified candidates to fill these positions.
There is a growing concern that our youth has higher chances of experiences challenges such as unemployment because there is a lack of proper education needed to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills for success in the workforce. So, by celebrating World Youth Skills Day, we can raise awareness and educate the world about the important role that technical and vocational training plays in providing our youth with the tools they need to thrive in the workforce.
Ever since the establishment of World Youth Skills Day, events that have been held to honor the occasion have offered a unique opportunity for dialogue among young people, technical and vocational education and training institutions, businesses, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policymakers, and development partners.
How technical and vocational education are helping to reduce the issue
As industries change and new technologies arise, there will always be a need for skilled workers who can adapt and come up with new ideas. Technical and Vocational education programs make sure that the workforce can stay flexible and meet the continuous new needs of the market.
Technical and Vocational Education programs focus on providing practical, hands-on skills in various trades such as agriculture, manufacturing, information technology, and renewable energy. Students exposed to this kind of education develop crucial skills needed in a constantly changing job market. Many of the skills students develop through Technical and Vocational education open up more job opportunities because they gain skills and experience that apply to a wide range of industries and professions, unlike traditional schooling which often focuses on a single set of skills.
On top of that, Technical and Vocational Education programs play an important role in providing specialized training and skills development to individuals in underserved communities. These programs offer opportunities for stable, well-paying jobs in industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and information technology. This type of education helps bridge economic disparities and ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds have equal access to education, training, and opportunities for a successful career and a better future
This years theme: youth skills for peace and development
In 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that proclaimed July 15 as World Youth Skills Day. The first World Youth Skills Day was held on July 15, 2015. Every year since the declaration of this day, the United Nations has created a theme to celebrate including Skills for a Resilient Youth, Skills for Innovation and Stability, Developmental Skills to Improve youth Employment and more!
This years theme is Youth Skills for Peace and Development and their goal for this years World Skilled Day is to “unite in recognizing the potential of young people as agents of peace and commit to providing them with the skills and opportunities to address challenges and contribute to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.”
As we honor this special day, let’s commit to fostering an environment where every young person has access to the resources, training, and encouragement they need to succeed in their chosen field. Together, we can build a future where skilled trades are celebrated and valued, and where every young person has the chance to reach their full potential.
