Preparing The Youth For The Future Of Work And Productivity

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 Generally, work in the world is undergoing a remarkable stage of transformation. This is driven by factors such as technological advancements, demographical shifts, and changing societal needs. As a result, it is crucial to equip young people with skills, knowledge, and competencies required to thrive in this fast-changing works in the world. It is necessary to adequately prepare the youth for work and productivity in future to ensure economic growth, social stability, and individual prosperity. 

One clear notable challenge besieging young people of our time is the disparity (mismatch) between the skills they acquire through education in schools and tertiary institutions and the skills demanded by industry operators or employers. An infallible report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) said that employers anticipate a structural labour market churn of 23% of jobs in the next five years, with a growing emphasis on skills such as analytical thinking, creative thinking, resilience, motivation, innovation, and curiosity, among others. To address this challenge head-on, education systems must undergo a paradigm shift in response to these changing demands, incorporating more practical, industry-relevant and appropriate training and focusing on developing essential skills linked to employability. 

Proven apprenticeship programmes, such as the i-Ready Programme in Brunei, offer a promising solution. This government incentivized programme provides young graduates with on-the-job training, mentorship, guidance, support, and resources, enhancing their employability and marketability. In the same vein, in Germany, the dual vocational education training (VET) system combines theoretical knowledge with practical training, resulting in a highly skilled workforce and low youth unemployment rates. These programmes demonstrate the effectiveness of work-based learning in preparing young people for the workforce. 

Apart from the technical skills, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and others, are sine qua non for success in the modern workplaces. The World Economic Forum's report highlights the importance of these skills, which are often difficult to discern but critical for effective collaboration and problem-solving. By incorporating soft skills training into education and training programmes, young people can develop the competencies required to thrive in a rapidly changing work environment. Exposure to workplace and practical work experience is also vital for skills development. Career talks, workplace visits, and internships can help young people expand their horizons, experience different options, and develop skills. For example, the Benin Youth Inclusion Project provides on-the-job training in technical and socio-emotional skills through internships, while the Mauritania Youth Employability Project supports people in acquiring foundational, digital, and socio-emotional skills.

National and regional governments, educators, and industry employers must work in cohesion to create a supportive ecosystem that prepares young people for the future of work. This includes investing in lifelong learning, making education systems more adaptable and attuned to labour market needs, and providing opportunities for work-based learning. The Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth and the International Labour Organization's efforts to promote youth employment and skills development are examples of initiatives that can achieve this goal.

In conclusion, preparing the youth for future work and productivity requires a holistic approach that combines theoretical knowledge, practical training, and essential skills development. By investing in classroom education, factory training, and work-based learning programmes, we can collectively equip young people with the competencies required to thrive in a competitive changing world. As the World Bank emphasizes, developing the right skills for the future is not just the responsibility of schools, but requires holistic reforms aimed at modernizing education, provide non-formal learning opportunities, and offer practical work experience to young people. By working together, we can help the youth to create a brighter future for themselves and their children.

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