ILO calls for comprehensive approach to integrate young women and men in the labour market in Zambia

LUSAKA (ILO News) – Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka ahead of the 2016 World Youth Skills Day which falls on 15th July, Mr Musindo stated that relevant and quality skills training, labour market information, career guidance and employment services as well as recognition of prior learning while incorporating entrepreneurship with training and effective skills forecasting are essential to enabling young people make a smooth transition into the labour market.
Additionally, he stated that quality apprenticeships based on robust social dialogue and public-private partnerships can improve employment prospects for young people while developing high level skills identified by employers as necessary for growth and increased productivity. Adding that both informal and regulated apprenticeship systems are important learning resources enabling young people to overcome the work-inexperience trap, gain new and enhanced skills and recognized qualifications. Moreover, upgrading informal apprenticeships and expanding regulated ones is a cost-effective way to invest in a country’s skills base, promote economic growth and enhance the employability of youth.

"Anticipating and building skills for the future is essential to a rapidly changing labour market. This applies to changes in the types and levels of skills needed as well as in occupational and technical areas. Effective methods to anticipate future skills needs and avoid potential mismatches include: sustained dialogue between employers and trainers, coordination across government institutions, labour market information systems, employment services and performance reviews of training institutions." said Alexio Musindo.

About World Youth Skills Day

In December 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 15th July as World Youth Skills Day-- to raise awareness of the importance of acquiring skills as a means to address the challenges of unemployment and under employment, and as a way to achieve better socio-economic conditions for all youth.

The UN estimates that the number of unemployed youth globally reached 74.5 million in 2013, the majority of whom live in developing countries. According to the International Labour organization, young people are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. One in five youths, or 125 million, are working but live in extreme poverty (on less than US$1/day). Disadvantaged young people are at higher risk of marginalization and social exclusion than other youth.

This year’s theme for Zambia is skills for inclusive and sustainable national development which is key as the country embarks on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the development of the 7th National Development Plan.