World Youth Skills Day

World Youth Skills Day History

World Youth Skills Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development. This day aims to highlight the need for quality technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and lifelong learning opportunities that can equip young people with the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st-century job market. World Youth Skills Day encourages public, private, and civil society sectors to work together to address the global challenge of youth unemployment and promote policies and initiatives that foster skill development.

The United Nations General Assembly designated World Youth Skills Day in 2014 in an effort to combat youth unemployment and underemployment. For the American audience, this observance is particularly relevant as the United States faces significant skills gaps in various sectors. Many industries report a mismatch between the skills and qualifications of job seekers and the competencies required by employers. By supporting initiatives on World Youth Skills Day, the country aims to equip its young citizens with the necessary skills to ensure economic growth, competitiveness, and social cohesion.

In America, World Youth Skills Day is observed through numerous events, seminars, and workshops. These activities are organized by local and national governments, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies, all aiming to promote career development and vocational training. Employers often take part by offering apprenticeships, internships, and learning opportunities to young people. These initiatives are designed to enhance skill development and provide a platform to connect employers and skilled job seekers, ultimately reducing youth unemployment and preparing the next generation of skilled workers. World Youth Skills Day occurs annually on July 15th.

World Youth Skills Day facts

• The theme for World Youth Skills Day in 2022 was Learning and skills for life, work, and sustainable development.
• UNICEF reports that 9 out of 10 adolescent girls and young women are offline in low-income countries.
• According to UNICEF’s Recovering Learning report, only a quarter of young people are on track to acquire job-specific skills
• According to the Economic Policy Institute, in 2021, the overall unemployment rate for young workers in the US jumped from 8.4% to 24.4.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Youth Skills Day

Top things to do in the US for World Youth Skills Day

• Learn more about the issues surrounding youth unemployment. This infographic from the International Labour Organization goes into detail about why more than 200 million young people are either unemployed, or have a job but live in poverty.
• Review current job listings to check their requirements. By understanding whether or not jobs are requiring new skills, you can help friends and family better navigate the workforce. You can also better equip yourself if you are looking for employment.
• Review the UN'S objectives for World Youth Skills Day. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, young people have faced increased pressure within the job market. Their required work skills have been the focus of the UN and the International Labour Union to better understand how they can return to the workforce.
• Visit NASA Visitor Centers,they are scattered across the country. The centers can inspire any youth interested in science, technology, and innovation. The educational programs can teach important skills regarding these fields.
• Googleplex and Tech Museum of Innovation, both in California shold be on your list of places to visit. The immersive campus of Google in Mountain View could be ideal for those inspired by technology and Tech Museum’s interactive displays can surely inspire youth to develop their own innovative ideas.