World Youth Skills Day

“Young people are drivers of change and must be fully engaged in decisions affecting their future. Guided by the United Nations Youth 2030 strategy, I urge everyone to act for youth skills development as a priority, at the Summit and beyond.” - UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Established in November 2014 by the United Nations General Assembly, World Skills Day is held annually on the 15th of July. The day seeks to promote skill expansion among the world’s youth and address challenges and seize opportunities. In recent studies, it shows that around 30% of young women and 13% of young men worldwide are not in employment, education or any form of training.

World Youth Skills Day aims to highlight the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and self-employment. Providing necessary tools and resources to keep up with the ever-changing nature of jobs with the advances of technology. It opens up the conversation between young people, education and training institutions, employers and employees, firms and development partners.

As part of a 15-year plan, the United Nations has committed to promoting education and lifelong learning opportunities, reducing unemployment and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals are part of the 2030 Agenda which is made up of 17 goals to universally end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere. Education and training are fundamental to creating a peaceful and prosperous world.

We are extremely fortunate to live in a country where schooling is a luxury and we are given the opportunity to learn how to read and write and form basic skills to be a desirable and employable candidate. Furthermore, Plymouth has a wide variety of further education to develop and hone in on the passions and interests of our youth to allow their skills to grow and flourish so they may have access to great jobs and live fulfilling lives.

Below are just a hand full of further education and organisations to help inspire our younger generation and guide them to achieve their dreams;

Skills Launchpad Plymouth

They offer free and impartial advice if you’re unsure of your next move, understanding that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to your future. You can sign up for 1:1 support and/or have access to free online resources such as securing an apprenticeship, gaining work experience, support for care leavers, setting up your own business and support for parents and guardians.

Skills Group

Offering full-time courses, bespoke career development programmes as well as specialising in apprenticeships. With over 25 years of experience, they have a catalogue of top local companies they work with to help kick-start careers and maximise business performance.

City College Plymouth

From the new A Level-equivalent T Levels and high-quality degree-level programmes to a range of vocational courses and Apprenticeships, City College of Plymouth is now one of the leading providers of professional and technical training in the South West. Whether you are aged 16 or 60, book your space now for their open day on Friday 25th August and explore your options.

University of Plymouth

With a clear mission to advance knowledge and transform lives through a broad range of subjects from Engineering, Biomedical Science, Marine and many more, the University is committed to investing in the future of their students to develop their careers and make a positive difference to the planet and people’s lives.

In addition to this, the University also won an award in May 2023 in the Best Small or Specialist Institution category of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards for the Arts University Plymouth, confirming it as a leading specialist for creative arts education.

Why is this such an important day? Holding space and opening up the conversation, whether that be with organisations, colleges, universities, employers even the government about creating opportunities for the youth to develop their skills. The upskilling of the youth can make them realise their full potential and secure a better future for themselves and their community.