World Youth Skills Day is July 15

The United Nations General Assembly declared July 15 as World Youth Skills Day to celebrate the importance of equipping young people with the training they need to succeed in the labour market. The day is also about reflecting on the direct connection between well-skilled youth and a bright future. 

This year’s World Youth Skills Day theme is: Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future. The theme represents the significance of teachers and other educators in providing youth with education and skills to move into the labour market and contribute to their communities.

Resources for teachers
For information on inspiring youth to reach their potential, visit: 

• Resources for Teachers and Career Counsellors for tools to support your students’ journey.
• Career Education Resources, which includes career education class lesson plans and learning activities. All resources, lesson plans and worksheets are accessible, interactive, shareable, downloadable and printable.  

Resources for youth
Learn about yourself and potential careers:

• Take Career Discovery Quizzes to explore what careers might be the best fit for you. 
• Watch Career Trek videos to hear professionals in different careers talk about what it’s like to work in their job. 
• Find details on jobs, including salary, duties, education and expected demand through the WorkBC Career Profiles.
• If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, see the Elementary school and kindergarten teachers and Secondary school teachers career profiles. 

Find information about education and skills:

• Search for post-secondary education programs by interest, subject, type of credential or institution through EducationPlannerBC.
• Explore Trades Training BC for information about trades programs, apprenticeships and entry-level training and the BC Trades Training Seat Finder.

If there are barriers that prevent you from getting the skills you need, visit Skills Training for Employment to learn how to get help, including child care, transportation and disability supports. 

Resources for Indigenous youth
See Resources for Indigenous Peoples to find information about jobs, education and funding, including:

• Details about programs and training for Indigenous youth in trades.
• Training and financial assistance programs for Indigenous Peoples.
• The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program.

For more information about World Youth Skills Day, including events, visit Unesco-Unevoc.