July 15 is World Youth Skills Day

July 15 is World Youth Skills Day, a day to celebrate the importance of preparing young people to enter the workforce and build their careers by equipping them with the skills they need for employment and entrepreneurship.

The 2024 theme is “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” which represents the significant impact young people have on peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Youth play a major role in creating a culture of peace and sustainability in the world and in building a more inclusive and safer future for everyone.

World Youth Skills Day provides an opportunity for dialogue between young people, post-secondary, technical and vocational training institutions, employers, policy makers and workers’ organizations to ensure that youth have inclusive and equitable access to quality education and skills training opportunities.

Education and training opportunities equip youth with the skills they need to access the labour market and build successful careers. WorkBC.ca can help youth, parents, guardians, teachers and career counsellors navigate the world of work in British Columbia.

Resources for youth

WorkBC.ca is an accessible way for youth to explore career options, research the labour market, find education and training and search for jobs. Check out the Resources for Youth webpage to see a list of the free resources available.

Resources for Indigenous youth

See the Resources for Indigenous Peoples webpage for information about education and training funding opportunities, including programs for Indigenous youth.

Resources for parents and guardians

The Resources for Parents webpage offers an easy guide to help youth prepare to enter the labour market. See the Resources for Parents blog to learn more about how to help youth with their career exploration and skills development.

Resources for teachers and career counsellors

Visit the Resources for Teachers and Career Counsellors webpage for information on how to inspire youth to achieve their potential.

Skills Training for Employment programs for young adults

The Young Adults at Risk Program helps youth aged 16 to 29 who are facing barriers to finding and maintaining employment to develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and beyond. Barriers to employment include housing instability, prior criminal justice involvement, incomplete high school education, mental health challenges and recovering from addiction.

Similarly, the Young Adults Skills Training for Employment Program helps youth aged 16 to 29 who are employment ready but lack job search skills, training and support. Programs include skills training and employment supports, such as transportation services, childcare and interview clothing.

Learn more about World Youth Skills Day and how to participate by visiting the United Nations' website.