In terms of required digital skills, several stand out. Digital literacy forms the foundation, encompassing proficiency in basic computer skills, navigating the internet, and utilizing digital tools effectively. Data literacy is another vital skill, allowing individuals to analyze and interpret data, providing valuable insights for decision-making. Proficiency in programming and coding languages, such as Python and JavaScript, is increasingly in demand across various industries. Likewise, cybersecurity expertise is critical to safeguard digital systems and protect sensitive data from potential threats. With the growing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), having a fundamental understanding of these technologies is advantageous. Knowledge of AI and ML algorithms empowers individuals in fields like data science, automation, and decision-making processes.
Digital marketing skills have also become essential. Competence in online advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and content creation enables individuals to navigate the digital marketing landscape effectively.
Cloud computing proficiency is highly sought after, with platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud providing storage, processing power, and application deployment capabilities.
Moreover, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design skills play a crucial role in creating intuitive and user-friendly digital interfaces for websites and applications.
But how many of youth actively pursue life-long training in all of these skills? And what are the obstacles that they face in a peripheral region of the EU, such Greece?
Young individuals recognize the importance of continuous learning and seek out life-long training opportunities, as they understand that acquiring new digital skills is crucial to adapt to technological advancements and secure employment in a highly competitive landscape. But still, the extent to which young people actively pursue lifelong training can vary depending on various factors such as the limited awareness and access of them located in island or peripheral regions, financial constraints as some of them, have to keep up with earning their living in precarious part time jobs working in cafes and restaurants and do not think or plan for the future! Even more, access to digital resources and infrastructure can be a challenge in peripheral regions, affecting young people’s ability to engage in online training or utilize digital tools for learning. This digital divide can create additional obstacles in pursuing lifelong training.
YOUTHShare project and YOUTHShare transnational employment Center in Greece acknowledges that is crucial to focus on improving awareness about the importance of lifelong learning, enhancing access to quality training programs, bridging the gap between education and industry needs, providing mentorship and guidance, and forging alliances for promoting the needed investment in digital infrastructure and connectivity in peripheral regions.
Our effort is one step forward to digital inclusiveness of all youth! Our aim is to enhance the awareness campaigns and highlight success stories, showcase the benefits of digital skills, and encourage young people to engage in digital learning. On the same token, make all of them understand that the ability to adapt, learn, and acquire new skills continuously is invaluable.
Aimilia Markaki, KAM of the “Network for Employment and Social Care (NESC)”
Bibliography:
chrome-extension://gphandlahdpffmccakmbngmbjnjiiahp/https://www.oecd.org/employment/youth/The-Updated-OECD-Youth-Action-Plan.pdf
