The Supremacy of Tomorrow

International Youth Skills Day: Unleashing the Power of Gen Z

“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways “-Robert Greene, American Author.

Every year July 15th is celebrated globally as Youth Skills Day to remind and promote our youth to have an awareness of skill development. We all through our coming generations fantasize about the productive and empowered youth who can contribute effectively to society.

There lies the significance of Youth Skills Day.

As we all know- our world is changing drastically! There is a huge downfall in the traditional skill sets and practices. In the past, we needed to acquire a specific skill for a set of jobs and it was practiced and performed till the end of that career. But now the scenario has changed to a great extent. We need to acquire more skills from the beginning of our new job and it is to continue. The process of acquiring new skills becomes the new mantra for career advancement.

Why Skill Development?

Youth skills development plays a pivotal role in addressing various socio-economic challenges faced by young individuals worldwide. To enhance employability, our younger generations should be well aware of the global skill set requirements and the competitive market. If they can adapt effectively to the changing skill set requirements, they will not only perform well but also increase their chances of survival. Many aspire to start new businesses or become entrepreneurs, embracing innovation that can only be achieved through skill adoption. By acquiring new skill sets, young individuals from diverse backgrounds can become well-versed in skill development initiatives, thus fostering social inclusion. Youth unemployment remains a pressing global challenge, but countries can effectively address this issue and reduce the unemployment rate among young people by investing in skill development programs and vocational training.

What can we do for our youth to understand the need for skill development?

Skill development should have been given utmost importance both by the government and private sectors. Skill development should be included as part of the pedagogy. Awareness campaigns through social media, workshops, seminars, and conferences raise awareness about the importance of skill development among the general public. These campaigns aim to mobilize support and resources to address the skill gap among youth effectively. Platforms to bridge industries and campuses are to be set up to make the youth employable.

It’s World Youth Skills Day!

This global event recognizes just how crucial skill development is for all young individuals and for shaping their futures. We’re talking about equipping the youth with the right tools to take on 21st-century challenges and make a real impact on sustainable development. So, as we celebrate this special day, let’s recommit to investing in Gen Z’s potential. We want to make sure they have the skills and opportunities to not just survive, but thrive and create a better world. Let’s do this!

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” Henry Ford

– Manju Malathy is a social activist who is also a passionate trainer with 12 years of experience in higher education. Additionally, she holds the position of Provisional Zone Trainer Junior Chamber International India Zone 20