Obstacles to Youth Employment
A major problem worldwide, especially in developing nations, is youth employment. Many obstacles prevent young people from entering the workforce successfully and staying there. Among the main difficulties are:
1. Insufficient Work Experience
Due to the fact that many firms favor applicants with previous work experience, young people are unable to gain experience because they have never held a job.
2. Mismatch in Skills
The abilities that are required by the labor market and those that are taught in schools frequently diverge. Many graduates lack the digital, soft, or technical skills that businesses demand.
3. Limited Availability of High-Quality Training and Education
Youth may be unable to acquire the skills required for employment if they do not have equal or sufficient access to high-quality education and vocational training programs.
4. Slow Job Creation and Economic Growth
Many economies, particularly those in developing nations, are not producing enough jobs to accommodate the increasing number of young people looking for work.
5. Unofficial Work
Many young people work in the unorganized sector, frequently in hazardous jobs with no social protection, job security, or decent pay.
6. Social Barriers and Discrimination
For many young individuals, possibilities may be further restricted by gender discrimination, stigma around disabilities, and regional or cultural biases.
7. Inability to Get Finance
Due to a lack of collateral or financial history, young entrepreneurs frequently have trouble obtaining financing or finance to launch or expand their businesses.
8. Weak Institutions in the Labor Market
Inadequate employment services, a lack of career counseling, and poor labor policy implementation can fail to assist young people looking for work.
9. The Disruption of Technology
Young workers are disproportionately impacted by the automation and digital transformation that is changing labor markets and occasionally eliminating low-skilled jobs.
10. Conflict and Political Instability
Young people frequently experience interrupted education and reduced job options in places impacted by political upheaval or conflict.
Overcoming the Obstacles
Coordinated efforts are needed to address the issues surrounding young employment, including:
Investing in vocational training and education
Encouraging financial access and entrepreneurial activity
bolstering the institutions of the labor market
encouraging the creation of jobs through infrastructure and economic growth
Making sure that policies are inclusive of marginalized youth
YAHYE AHMED MOHAMED
