Youth Workforce Development

Fostering effective partnerships among governments, training institutions, providers, and the private sector, means that host countries can ensure youth gain skills to lead productive lives, and achieve overall success and lifelong well-being.

Fostering effective partnerships among governments, training institutions, providers, and the private sector, means that host countries can ensure youth gain skills to lead productive lives, and achieve overall success and lifelong well-being.

Summary and USAID’s Approach 

With 75 million young people unemployed worldwide in 2021, the lack of economic opportunities is a global concern. USAID's workforce development programs prepare young people for meaningful employment through access to quality vocational, technical and higher education, coaching, internship placement, job matching, skills development and entrepreneurship programs. Providing higher levels of education can significantly enhance learners’ success. Connecting youth to market-driven skills training and economic opportunities equips them with relevant skills and fosters a more resilient and adaptable workforce. Emphasis is also placed on engaging the underserved and the disadvantaged, including women, persons with disabilities, and those who are often the most marginalized and disenfranchised, to equip them with the skills necessary to support themselves and their families.

We have celebrated World Youth Skills Day on July 15 for nearly 20 years. World Youth Skills Day events have provided a unique opportunity for dialogue among young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, the private sector, workers’ organizations, policymakers, and development partners. 

Highlights 

Soft Skills Resources

Key Resources