Founded by the visionary Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, the Wadhwani Foundation stands out for its commitment to global economic development, focusing on equipping youth for the current and future job market amid rapid technological changes. In this edition, we present an interview with Dr. Ajay Kela, CEO and President of Wadhwani, who shares valuable insights about the foundation’s mission to bridge the gap between traditional education and market needs through technology and strategic partnerships. Dr. Ajay shares success stories, challenges faced, and envisions a future of global expansion and profound impact on education and youth employability.
As we explore the current job market landscape for youth in Brazil, we encounter a series of challenges. A promising strategy to overcome these obstacles is the development of power skills. These skills, essential for professional and personal success in the 21st century, are the focus of this article. Let’s dive into the current situation and highlight the importance of an integrated approach to power skills and hard skills to change the landscape.
Imagine a group of young people, all eager to make a difference in the world of work. However, they face a harsh reality: their unemployment rate is three times higher than the national average. Only a quarter manage to get into college, although almost all aspire to an education that prepares them for the job market. This discrepancy leads us to question: are we truly preparing our youth for the future?
Now, consider the skills that differentiate a person in today’s work environment. It is not only technical skills but also competencies such as critical thinking, leadership, and emotional intelligence. These are the power skills, and they are as important as hard skills for navigating the turbulent waters of the modern job market.
It is surprising to discover that only 40% of Brazilian youth are aware of the importance of these skills. This highlights a significant gap in our educational approach, where the focus often remains on technical skills.
Consider this: studies show that 85% of workplace success comes from power skills. Furthermore, those who master these skills are 30% more likely to find employment and tend to perform 7% better at work. This underscores the critical need to incorporate the development of these skills into the educational journey of young people.
When we talk to employers, 60% express dissatisfaction with the power skills of candidates. This sends a clear message: the job market is clamoring for youth who not only master hard skills but also excel in power skills.
To change this scenario, we need a collaborative approach. Governments, educational institutions, companies, and NGOs must join forces to create programs that prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
In summary, the integrated development of power skills and hard skills is vital for the success of youth in the 21st century. As a society, we have the responsibility to ensure that our youth are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the job market. Together, we can transform the landscape of youth employability in Brazil and pave the way for a promising future.
Source: Rede Digitalize
