Bhoomika Singh
“Equipping young people with quality education, training and skills is essential. This World Youth Skills Day reminds us that teachers stand at the forefront of this great global effort.”
-UN Secretary-General António Guterres
In today’s rapidly evolving world, where technological advancements and shifting labour market dynamics continue to shape our future, the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills cannot be overstated. Recognizing this significance, the United Nations General Assembly designated the 15th of July as World Youth Skills Day in 2014. This annual observance celebrates the strategic role of skill development in preparing youth for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
As we mark World Youth Skills Day 2023, the theme “Skilling teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative future” sheds light on the critical role educators play in empowering young individuals to thrive in the labour market and contribute actively to their communities and societies.
Traditional educational models must evolve to meet the demands of the future, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is well-positioned to address this need. TVET reduces access barriers to the world of work, ensuring that the skills acquired are not only relevant but also recognized and certified.
Empowering Youth for Success
To effectively navigate the challenges presented by a transformative future, it is essential to empower young people to embrace change, innovation, and lifelong learning. By investing in their education and skill development, we can provide them with the tools they need to succeed. “This World Youth Skills Day, we reaffirm our pledge to inspire, mentor and nurture the next generation of skilled professionals, who will lead us towards a more successful, and sustainable, future,” Kishan Jain, Director at Goldmedal Electricals, told SME Futures.
Skilling teachers, trainers, and educators is a crucial aspect of this process, as they play a pivotal role in nurturing and guiding the youth towards their goals. Jain further shared, “India’s large youth population provides us with a significant demographic advantage. However, to truly leverage the immense potential and talent of our young people, we need to empower them with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving global business landscape.”
Promoting Green Skills and Practices
As global environmental concerns continue to grow, it is essential to incorporate green skills and practices into the education and training of youth. By emphasizing sustainable approaches and environmentally-friendly practices, we can ensure that young people are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
Speaking on the same, Rajesh Kabra, MD at RR Parkon says, “The need for skill development is particularly critical in the context of the global community’s transition towards sustainable models of growth. Our youth will require skill-sets that are both agile and adaptable in order to survive, and thrive, in a world moving towards a greener and fairer economy, coupled with rapid technological advancements and shifting labour market dynamics.”
Addressing the Needs of Youth Outside Education, Employment, and Training
One of the pressing challenges faced by societies worldwide is the issue of youth who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). World Youth Skills Day 2023 recognizes the significance of offering skill development opportunities to these young individuals. While sharing his views on the same, Director at Syska, Rajesh Uttamchandani told, “With the world’s largest population base, our nation has tremendous potential to become an innovative economic powerhouse. Harnessing the benefits of our demographic dividend however requires us to invest in equipping young people with the skills they need to excel in a dynamic global business environment.”
On World Youth Skills Day 2023, we celebrate the transformative power of education and skills training in empowering young people to shape their future. Let us collectively strive towards a world where every young person has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and contribute to the betterment of society.
