This Brics initiavie aims to upskill today’s youth for future jobs

The issue of youth unemployment and the disconnect between the skills taught in schools and the needs of the job market is a global challenge, and South Africa is no exception. Sherrie Donaldson, the project director at Brics Future Skills, addresses this issue in an interview with CNBC Africa's Godfrey Mutizwa. Donaldson highlights the staggering statistic of 1 million students exiting the school system annually in South Africa, facing grim unemployment rates. However, there is also an abundance of job opportunities that remain unfilled due to the gap between the skills possessed by the youth and the requirements of businesses. This disparity is what the Brics Future Skills project aims to bridge. The Brics Future Skills initiative is part of the Brics Business Council, which seeks to enhance trade and investment among the five partner countries. At the heart of this initiative are nine working groups, with skills development being a crucial component. The project, which commenced in 2017, has evolved over the years to focus on anticipating future skills demanded by businesses. One of the key tools in this endeavor is the 'Atlas of Future Jobs,' designed to forecast emerging job trends and prepare young people accordingly. Donaldson emphasizes the importance of creating awareness around future skills and engaging in initiatives like the Brics Future Skills Challenge to elevate the skill levels of the youth. The project not only seeks to train individuals for imminent job roles but also pushes for the enhancement of educational curricula to align with industry demands. By fostering partnerships and securing sponsorships, the project endeavors to expand its reach and impact significantly. In a bid to enable broader participation, the Brics Future Skills Challenge provides a platform for individuals to engage and showcase their skills. While the current challenge has already selected participants, the initiative welcomes interested parties to explore future opportunities through their website and contact channels. Additionally, ongoing projects in sectors like Food & Beverage manufacturing focus on specific skills development, aiming to create a comprehensive understanding of the evolving job landscape. The project also acknowledges the challenges posed by rapidly advancing technology and changing skill requirements. Digital skills, including drone operations, digital twinning, and robotic process automation, are becoming increasingly crucial. However, in a country like South Africa, issues related to data access and connectivity pose significant barriers to skill development. Despite progress in areas like introducing coding and robotics in education, there is a continued need to enhance digital proficiency across the youth. Looking ahead, the Brics Future Skills Project envisions a collaborative effort to create unified skill frameworks at the Brics and global standard. By leveraging the expertise and resources of partner countries, the initiative aims to empower youth with the requisite skills for future jobs, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. Donaldson's insights shed light on the multifaceted approach needed to address youth unemployment effectively and equip the next generation with the skills needed for success in the workforce.