World Youth Skills Day 2025: Empowering Youth Through AI & Digital Skills

Every year on 15th July, the United Nations recognises World Youth Skills Day, a global celebration highlighting the essential role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in shaping youth futures. Established in 2014, first observed in 2015, this day underscores the critical importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.

What’s special about 2025?

• This year marks the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day and the 5th anniversary of UNESCO’s Global Skills Academy.
• With the Fourth Industrial Revolution underway, the 2025 theme is “Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills.” It focuses on ensuring youth gain everything from basic digital literacy to advanced data science capabilities.

Why AI & digital skills?

• As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, educational frameworks like TVET must adapt, offering tools such as adaptive learning, VR simulations, and intelligent tutoring to prepare youth for real-world challenges.
• However, without equitable access, particularly for marginalized groups, the digital divide risks deepening inequality.
• That’s why world leaders call for human-centred, inclusive, and ethical integration of technology in youth education and employment.

Global celebrations & participation

• UNESCO‑UNEVOC is hosting events in Paris, including hybrid panels, youth surveys, and live sessions exploring how AI is transforming TVET.
• The UN headquarters in New York will welcome global delegates to reflect on progress and renew commitments toward closing the digital divide.

Why Paragon Skills celebrates

At Paragon Skills, we mirror the global priorities of World Youth Skills Day through our forward-thinking apprenticeship programmes and innovative digital learning strategies:

• Embracing digital learning tools: Our apprentices benefit from interactive online platforms, virtual classrooms, and self-paced digital resources that enhance learning flexibility and accessibility. These tools ensure apprentices can learn anytime, anywhere, supporting a wide range of learning styles and circumstances.
• Technology-enhanced teaching: We integrate cutting-edge tools like digital portfolios, e-learning modules, and real-time progress tracking to personalise and enrich the learner experience. These innovations support trainers in delivering high-quality, tailored support for every apprentice.
• Commitment to access & inclusion: We strive to extend opportunities to all youth, ensuring no one is left behind, reflecting the UN’s vision for equitable access to education and skills development.
• Preparing the digital workforce: By embedding AI-aware modules and promoting digital literacy across sectors, our training prepares learners for the workplaces of tomorrow, combining practical on-the-job experience with future-ready skills.

How you can get involved

1. Engage with events: Host webinars or career talks on AI in apprenticeships.
2. Partner for impact: Collaborate with local schools, businesses, or tech experts to enrich your skills-based programming.

World Youth Skills Day 2025 is more than a date, it’s a global call to bridge the digital divide, empower youth with AI skills, and cement pathways toward sustainable careers. At Paragon Skills, we’re proud to answer that call, through practical apprenticeships, inclusive training, forward-thinking teaching strategies, and a forward-looking approach that equips the next generation for success.