- According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that by 2025, over half of all employees will require significant upskilling and reskilling to keep up with changing job demands.
- In pursuing a more equitable and prosperous society, individuals who champion skill acquisition become the flag bearers of progress.
- World Youth Skills Day catalyzes global initiatives and collaborations to transform skill development and education.
Rapid technological advancements and ever-evolving industries propel today’s world, and the importance of equipping young individuals with the necessary skills to navigate this transformative landscape cannot be overstated.
World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15, serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal roles played by youths in shaping a brighter tomorrow.
This year’s theme, Skilling teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative future, powerfully resonates in this era of change, emphasizing the urgent need to empower educators and learners alike.
With each passing day, technological innovations are reshaping industries and reshuffling the skills required to thrive in the modern workforce.
Artificial Intelligence, automation, and digitization are revolutionizing how people live, work, and interact with the world around us.
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that by 2025, over half of all employees will require significant upskilling and reskilling to keep up with changing job demands.
This alarming statistic underscores the critical role of training and education in preparing the youth for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
World Youth Skills Day is a global acknowledgment of the need to equip today’s youth with the mindset, knowledge, and skills necessary to thrive in today’s economic scope.
By focusing on skilling teachers, trainers, and young learners, the 2023 theme amplifies the importance of ensuring that those at the forefront of education are equipped with the expertise and tools needed to foster transformative learning experiences.
Platforms to upskill
In today’s digital era, the online space has become an invaluable resource for people seeking new skills and knowledge.
Platforms like Google Garage and YouTube offer an excellent opportunity for youth to access various educational courses, tutorials, and content, significantly at no cost.
The beauty of YouTube lies in its diversity and accessibility.
Whether you are a student, a professional seeking to upskill, or someone passionate about learning, YouTube has something to offer.
YouTube has emerged as an educational powerhouse providing abundant skill-building content, lectures, and tutorials.
From graphic design to coding, public speaking to data science, YouTube offers a vast range of free resources that enable individuals to learn at their own pace and explore areas of interest.
You can find channels dedicated to industry insights, expert-led tutorials, and even courses from prestigious universities.
Google Garage is a free online training program that offers a wide range of courses, from data analysis to fundamentals of digital marketing to more specialized fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Through quizzes, practical exercises, and interactive modules, Google Garage provides an immersive learning experience that can be tailored to individual interests and needs.
What makes Google Garage particularly beneficial is its emphasis on practical application.
It equips learners with hands-on experience, enabling them to directly apply their newfound skills in real-world scenarios.
Beyond these platforms, the online space is teeming with many open education resources that offer free access to educational materials and courses.
Platforms like Khan Academy, edX, LinkedIn and Coursera provide learning opportunities from renowned professors and institutions worldwide, covering various skill domains and subjects.
Moringa School in Kenya is one of the great avenues to hone tech skills.
Inspiring next generation
In pursuing a more equitable and prosperous society, individuals who champion skill acquisition become the flag bearers of progress.
Elvis Warutumo, a talented Graphics and Web Designer, TikTok Content Creator, and CEO of Africa Web Experts, exemplifies the power of knowledge and skills in transforming lives.
Warutumos’ journey is a testament to the transformative power of skills.
As a graphic and web designer, he recognized the importance of continuous learning and staying ahead of the curve.
Through his TikTok content, he shares his knowledge and experiences, encouraging young individuals to embrace the world of skills.
On World Youth Skills Day, Warutumo shares, “By ensuring equal access to quality education and skills training, we can bridge the gaps of inequality and create a more equitable and prosperous society.”
His journey is driven by recognizing that skills catalyze professional and personal growth.
He emphasizes the importance of providing accessible and inclusive learning opportunities for all young individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
By ensuring equal access to quality education and skills training, we can break down the barriers of inequality and forge a more equitable society.
World Youth Skills Day catalyzes global initiatives and collaborations to transform skill development and education.
Educational institutions, organizations, and governments worldwide come together to share the best practices, develop innovative strategies, and forge partnerships that promote the skilling of the youth.
Through such collective efforts, we can build a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future.
“I am a firm advocate of skills and skillset in Kenya,” Warutumo says. It might be a starting point if you are seeking inspiration to start and explore skills.
Importance of skills
Today’s youth face the challenge of preparing for jobs that may not even exist yet, necessitating a focus on transferrable skills such as adaptability, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
By harnessing the potential, you are empowered to shape your destinies and contribute to society’s progress actively.
Therefore, dear reader, be inspired by Warutumo’s message and commit yourself to your professional and personal growth.
Embrace the opportunities platforms like YouTube provide to expand your skillset and knowledge.
Remember, pursuing skills is not confined to a specific industry or field. Whether you inspire to be a leader, scientist, artist, or entrepreneur in any domain, the power of skills transcends boundaries.
The future lies in creativity and innovation. Skills are the building blocks of progress, enabling individuals to seize opportunities, tackle challenges, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The demand for specific skills is evolving at an unprecedented pace.
Let this day be a reminder that nurturing an adaptable and skilled workforce is essential for individual prosperity, social development, and economic growth.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: World Youth Skills Day: Upskilling Africa’s youth a ticket to transformative future
The world is waiting for the unique contributions that only you can make!
