Factor Trabajo, the blog of the Inter-American Bank published an article written by Laura Ripani that addresses youth employment in Latin America and the Caribbean

There are 22 million youngsters in the region who neither work nor study. Ripani states that many of them lack the motivation to do so due to their scarce chances of getting a decent job. Therefore, we must think how we can provide a better future for young people.

According to article, a survey developed in Bahamas among employers offers data about the lack of job experience and of skills –particularly soft skills- as the main difficulty when hiring new young workers.

Another study, developed in Dominican Republic, shows the significant impact that soft skills’ training programs have and how they improve youngsters’ chances of getting a quality job.

Young people must be trained in technical and soft skills in order to enhance their connection with the labour market through different channels such as intermediation services and apprenticeships. Developing and training soft skills is particularly important in the Caribbean as its economy is mostly based on tourism and retail, and employers value characteristics such as punctuality, respect, teamwork, and customer orientation.

Ripani points out the need of connecting the education and productive sectors and of training young people for real jobs.

Source: Factor Trabajo