World Youth Skills Day sheds light on challenges in shifting labour market

AMMAN — World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on July 15, comes as an opportunity for Jordanian youth to gain an understanding of the breadth of skills needed to succeed and to be prepared for a successful future.

The 2023 theme titled “Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future” highlights the key role teachers and educators play in equipping youth with the skills needed to transition to the labour market and to engage in their societies, according to the UN website.

Alongside shifting labour market dynamics, there is an urgent need for agile and adaptable skill sets. “It is crucial that we empower young people to navigate these changes effectively,” the UN said.

“Thriving in today’s world requires educational institutions and establishments to disseminate forms of knowledge, values and skills that empower young people and give them the push they need to succeed,” Shaima Awad, who is a family life coach, told The Jordan Times on Saturday.

She went on to note that technical skills, forward-looking courses of study and digital literacy as well as communication and collaboration skills are crucial for today’s youth.

“Everything starts by being curious and attentive. Young people should be aware that engagement and ownership is important in their careers,” said Khloud Efishat, an Arabic language teacher.

To prepare Jordanian youth for a world of rapid changes and unprecedented transformations, new sources of knowledge and growth are a must, according to Efishat. Adaptability should be among the primary things the youth learn, in order to be able to deal with change, diversity and ambiguity, she added.

“We are constantly told that life is harder for young people now than it was for previous generations… this is because we have more and more challenges to navigate,” Sara Dodokh, a young Jordanian who is studying computer engineering, told The Jordan Times on Saturday.

For Dodokh, it is necessary to obtain financial and technological literacy skills in order to promote her achievements.

According to UNICEF, Jordan has one of the youngest populations worldwide, with 63 per cent of the population under the age of 30.