WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY
Every year on July 15th, World Youth Skills Day encourages youth to acquire certain skills that will help them achieve personal success and fulfillment. The day also raises awareness about the lack of skills that prevent young people from working.
There is a growing concern that youth throughout the world are not able to find employment. There is also concern that youth are not able to receive the proper education or training for their future careers. The number of youth not in employment, education, or training is known as NEET. In recent years, nearly 267 million were classified as NEET. This number is also expected to increase to 273 million in the near future.
To help combat these numbers, the UN and other organizations are placing emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This type of education prepares people to work as a technician. It also allows employees to take up a skilled craft or trade. TVET takes place at a higher education level and can interact with an apprenticeship program.
Workers around the world have realized some of the many short and long-term benefits that TVET has to offer.
Some of these benefits include:
- Better chance of employment
- Higher earning levels
- Increased job satisfaction
- Improved flexibility and mobility
- Lifelong learning
One more proven benefit of TVET is the positive impact it has on a person’s motivation, attitude, and self-esteem. There are also many social benefits of TVET.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldYouthSkillsDay
Each year on this day, several youth events are held at UN headquarters in New York City and elsewhere. Events include photo, essay, and skills competitions, presentations by educators and employers, and panel discussions.
To participate:
- Think about the importance of vocational training for youth.
- Discuss with your children the skills they need to develop for their future careers.
- Learn about the many challenges youth face today in the areas of education and employment.
Share this day on social media with #WorldYouthSkillsDay or #WYSD
WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY HISTORY
In 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that proclaimed July 15th World Youth Skills Day. The first World Youth Skills Day was held on July 15, 2015.
Past themes for the day include:
- 2020: Skills for a Resilient Youth
- 2019: Youth Skills for Sustainability and Innovation
- 2018: Innovation and Sustainability
- 2017: Skills for the Future of Work
- 2016: Skills Development to Improve Youth Employment
- 2015: Youth Skills for Life in the Post-2015 Agenda