Youth Champions worldwide gathered virtually on Tuesday, 19 December 2023, to celebrate their Youth Meaningful Work Survey accomplishments. For the past eight weeks, they have been working to get the survey into the hands of young people.
Said World YMCA Secretary General Carlos Sanvee, “This survey is unique because it’s not looking back and collecting data for something that has happened. It’s looking forward to what we want to happen in the future. You are a very dedicated group, and I thank you”.
Survey details
The goal has been to gather insights from thousands of young individuals aged 18-35 from various cultural backgrounds across the globe. It aims to better understand the experiences of young people in the workforce, their aspirations and the support they require to achieve their goals. Survey findings will play an instrumental role in shaping the future of work.
Available in 10 languages, the survey is available here: https://youthmeaningfulwork.com/
A few early survey results:
- 96 per cent said they need some support regarding their future in securing Meaningful Work.
- 92 per cent say they face at least one barrier.
- The top barrier to achieving their future work goals is a lack of essential skills, qualifications or experience.
In the survey, young people also ranked the most important skills. At the top is critical thinking, followed by digital and leadership/management skills.
Deadline extension
Although the champions and YMCA Movements worldwide have made great progress, the surveys collected to date fall short of the goal. The survey will now remain open through 26 January 2024 – and we are encouraging people to take and/or share the survey – which offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of work.
“Young people tell us nothing for us without us”, said Carlos. “The goal of this survey is to hear your voice – to tell your story. No one should be speaking on behalf of young people”.