July 15th is celebrated as World Youth Skills Day to recognize the importance of empowering young individuals with essential skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and holistic development. In an era marked by rapid technological evolution and shifting economic landscapes, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of skill development and its transformative potential for the youth.
World Youth Skills Day highlights the urgency to invest in youth skill development. Today’s global landscape is driven by rapid digital transformation, changing consumer behavior, and evolving economic structures. In this digital era, technological literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Bridging the skills gap becomes crucial to empower young people and reduce youth unemployment in the face of these changes.
Skilling plays a pivotal role in unleashing the untapped potential of young individuals. By acquiring pertinent skills, youth can significantly improve their employment prospects, adapt effectively to dynamic job markets, and contribute to overall economic growth. Moreover, skill development nurtures confidence, self-sufficiency, and a sense of purpose among young people, enabling them to navigate real-life challenges with ease and efficiency.
In terms of desired skills, artificial intelligence & machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and blockchain are increasingly sought-after in the age of digital technology. Automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are transforming industries, creating new jobs while rendering some traditional roles obsolete. It is crucial for young people to be prepared to embrace these technologies and adapt to the changing nature of work.
While hard skills will continue to shape the future of work, it is important to strike a balance by nurturing soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. These skills enable individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate complex socioeconomic environments.
Creating dynamic roles for young professionals to learn and develop is vital.
Collaboration between educational institutions, governments, and the private sector is imperative to design and implement comprehensive skilling programs. These programs should focus on technical and soft skills, provide hands-on training, and offer opportunities for internships and apprenticeships. Lifelong learning should be promoted as a means to adapt to evolving industry needs and encourage continuous upskilling and reskilling.
In conclusion, organizations have a significant role to play in skilling youth. Through collaboration, curriculum design, apprenticeships, mentorship programs, and active participation in career development initiatives, organizations contribute to equipping young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience they need to succeed in the job market. Together, we can create an environment that fosters skill development and empowers the youth to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Here are Top 5 tech skills and the expected demand in the next 2-3 years
| Sl. No | Skills | % Rise expected in next 2-3 years |
| 1 | AI & ML | 20-25% |
| 2 | Data Analytics | 15-20% |
| 3 | Cybersecurity | 15-20% |
| 4 | Cloud Computing | 15-20% |
| 5 | Blockchain | 10-15% |
