World Youth Skills Day is a holiday observed annually on July 15th that encourages young people worldwide to acquire skills that will help them achieve personal success and realize their dreams.

Individuals who pursue vocational or technical education are more likely to secure a good job, earn more money, experience higher job satisfaction, and have opportunities for economic advancement. Studies have also shown that those who engage in technical or vocational training tend to have higher self-esteem and are more likely to be self-motivated. This is why this holiday is so significant for young people around the globe.

The History of World Youth Skills Day

The United Nations General Assembly established this holiday in 2014 through a resolution. The first celebration took place the following year on July 15, 2015, and it has been celebrated annually since then.

Facts About Vocational Education & Technical Training

Below are some facts about vocational and technical training to provide a bit of education on this topic for World Youth Skills Day.

• Approximately 82% of people with certifications believe public schools should offer more career-oriented classes.
• Four out of five high school dropouts agree that career and technical education could have helped them remain in school.
• Nearly 8 million secondary students and 4 million post-secondary students in the U.S. are engaged in career and technical education.

Observing World Youth Skills Day

Each year, this holiday is observed with a specific theme set by the United Nations. For instance, in 2016, the theme was “Skills Development to Improve Youth Employment.” In 2020, it was “Skills for a Resilient Youth.”

People also commemorate the day by organizing seminars and job fairs for young individuals, educating them about the advantages of technical and vocational training, and by using the hashtag #WorldYouthSkillsDay on their social media accounts.