World Youth Skills Day 2023 that falls on July 15 revolves around the theme of “Skilling teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative future.” It highlights the indispensable role played by teachers, trainers, and other educators in providing the necessary skills for youth to transition into the labour market and actively participate in their communities and societies.
In a world characterized by rapid technological advancements and shifting labour market dynamics, agile and adaptable skill sets are essential. Empowering young people to navigate these changes effectively becomes crucial. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) emerge as a solution, breaking down access barriers to the world of work, ensuring the relevance, recognition, and certification of acquired skills, promoting green skills and practices, and providing skill development opportunities for youth who are not in education, employment, and training.
World Youth Skills Day calls for unity in recognizing the potential of young people as catalysts for change and committing to equip them with the skills and opportunities they need to build a prosperous and sustainable world for all. Together, we can shape a brighter future where no young person is left behind.
WHY IS WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY IMPORTANT?
World Youth Skills Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, holds significant importance in equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. It provides a platform for dialogue among young individuals, TVET institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policymakers, and development partners. The events focus on the increasing significance of skills as the world transitions towards a sustainable model of development.
ROLE OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Education and training form a central part of the 2030 Agenda. Sustainable Development Goal 4, “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” encapsulates the vision of the Incheon Declaration: Education 2030. The Declaration places significant emphasis on technical and vocational skills development, including access to affordable and quality TVET, acquisition of technical skills for employment and entrepreneurship, gender parity, and ensuring access for vulnerable populations. TVET is expected to address the diverse demands of the economy, society, and environment by enabling youth and adults to develop the skills necessary for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. It plays a role in promoting inclusive, sustainable economic growth and facilitating transitions to green economies and environmental sustainability.
TVET equips youth with the skills required for entering the workforce, including self-employment. It enhances responsiveness to changing skill demands from companies and communities, boosting productivity and wage levels. TVET also reduces access barriers to employment through work-based learning and ensures the recognition and certification of acquired skills. Furthermore, it provides skill development opportunities for under- or unemployed individuals, out-of-school youth, and those not currently engaged in education, employment, and training (NEETs).
