Skills Young People Need for Today’s and Tomorrow’s Workforce

The world of work is evolving faster than ever, and young people are stepping into a labour market that’s constantly changing. With this level of uncertainty, it’s clear that focusing solely on specific job skills isn’t enough. Instead, transversal skills; those that remain relevant no matter how careers shift are becoming essential.

Skills like communication, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, and digital literacy are now at the heart of employability. They allow young people to adapt, collaborate, and innovate across different sectors. Even more importantly, they provide the flexibility needed to navigate workplaces being reshaped by automation, AI, and emerging industries.

Youth work has always played a vital role in developing these skills. Through hands-on learning, active participation, and supportive relationships, youth work helps young people build confidence, social skills, and emotional intelligence. These qualities form a strong foundation for success, particularly in unpredictable environments. Resilience is the ability to handle setbacks, manage transitions, and stay motivated and is cultivated through safe spaces where young people can experiment, make mistakes, and grow.

Preparing young people for today’s workforce isn’t just about technical skills. It’s about nurturing adaptable, reflective, and resilient individuals who can navigate complexity with confidence. With its holistic, person-centred approach, youth work is perfectly positioned to guide young people on this journey and empower them to shape their own futures.