The Context: A Growing Spotlight on Global Youth Issues
The transition of young people into work marks a critical period in the life cycle. It signifies a crucial stage of independence, the application of academic learning, and social and economic productivity, as well as sets the stage for an individual’s potential in terms of earning capacity, job options and the possibility of advancement.
Overview of the Report
Chapter I introduces the status of young people in the labour market and youth employment trends. It provides a snapshot of key youth employment-related demographics, highlighting the critical role of youth employment in social development. The chapter also considers positive and negative trends across countries in various stages of development to illustrate the state of youth employment world-wide.
How can we hold policymakers and Governments to account for ensuring youth unemployment rates are reduced?
What young people say:
In your view, what role should vocational training play in preparing young people for the labour market? Does vocational training lead to stable and decent jobs?
Vocational training is being increasingly recognized as a sound mechanism to promote decent jobs. During week II of the e-discussion, the International Youth Foundation (IYF) launched the Tanzania Youth Scholars initiative. This initiative aims to increase access to quality vocational and entrepreneurship training and secondary education opportunities for 1,800 orphans and vulnerable children and young people through educational scholarships.
Conclusions
Some key themes that emerged from week III’s discussion on looking for jobs were:
