Meaningful Work Standards Pilot · 2025–2026
Explore the Meaningful Work Standards resources
Tools, guides and plans from the National YMCAs piloting the Meaningful Work Standards, plus the Maturity Model User Guide and Assessment Tool.
Pillar 2:
Meaningful
Work
We work with young people and communities on equitable education, training and employment opportunities
66%
of young people worldwide do not have digital skills (World Skills Clock)
29%
of young women are not in education, employment or training (young men: 14%) (UN)
104 million
young people live on less than USD 1.90 a day
YMCA Pillar Film on Meaningful Work
Meaningful work gives people the opportunity to build livelihoods, develop their potential and contribute to their communities. This film showcases how YMCAs are equipping young people with skills, opportunities and pathways to decent work, entrepreneurship and purposeful careers.
Our three Meaningful Work goals
Our Belief
The YMCA Movement believes that all young people deserve the right to learn, engage in flexible dignified and meaningful work, and build sustainable livelihoods.
Our Pledge
The YMCA commits to creating, expanding and advocating meaningful, just and equitable education, training, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the transition to the new economies.
Our case studies and projects
Take a look at some of the ways we address Meaningful Work:
A global review of programmes submitted by national and local YMCAs in response to the Vision 2030 call — projects that build livelihoods, expand skills, and equip young people to lead the change in body, mind, and spirit.
Our Meaningful Work work in action
YMCA – Finland
A South-North partnership unleashing youth potential
Global Livelihoods & Vocational Training
YMCA Finland’s Youth, Peace and Livelihoods programme exemplifies international collaboration in advancing young people’s right to work, peace, and dignity. Partnering with YMCAs in The Gambia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Palestine, and Lebanon, the initiative equips vulnerable young people with vocational, life, and entrepreneurial skills tailored to each local context. Together, these YMCAs deliver co-designed interventions—ranging from technical training to psychosocial support—that empower young people to secure meaningful employment, start their own businesses, and contribute to creating peaceful and resilient communities. This South-North partnership reflects a shared commitment to unleashing youth potential and building sustainable futures through education, inclusion, and economic opportunity.
YMCA – USA
Connecting young people to education, employment, and entrepreneurship
Global Livelihoods & Vocational Training
The Global Pathways for Meaningful Work Project, led by Y-USA in partnership with YMCAs in Philadelphia, New York, Colombia, and Spain, with support from American Express, connects young people to education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities through locally adapted programmes. Exceeding its first-year goal, the project reached over 3,650 young people with results including 500 securing jobs, 100 launching businesses, and almost 900 gaining internships or mentorships.
Our latest Meaningful Work news
Reimagining Meaningful Work for Young People
World Youth Skills Day, 15 July 2024: Two new reports – written by leading professional services firm Deloitte Australia and commissioned by World YMCA – address the global issue of jobs for young people.
The context: a world in which 1 in 5 young people are not in employment, education and training, and a 10,000-person global research survey revealing that 4 in 10 young people don’t have the right skills, qualifications or experiences to enter into work or start up a business.
The response: a new definition for ‘Meaningful Work’, an accompanying framework of twelve ‘Meaningful Work’ Standards, and a call to ignite change and inspire collaboration to address an overwhelming global need.
Youth employment at a glance: the challenge and the response
Crisis of opportunity: Young People navigating the 'New Work Order' Future ready: Reimagining Meaningful Work for Young PeopleOur Meaningful Work videos
Video
03 February 2025
Teaching soft skills in Singapore – Since 2011 YMCA of Singapore has put nearly 900 vulnerable young people through a 6-month training programme teaching ‘soft skills’ and vocational skills.
Video
27 January 2025
Building life skills in the US and Colombia – An education, employment and entrepreneurship programme which has helped nearly 4,000 vulnerable young people, many of them refugees and immigrants since 2023.
Feature Story
What makes work Meaningful?
This second article in a YMCA Vision 2030 series explores how YMCAs can positively impact employment.
Read the full storyOur Meaningful Work Resources
Report
14 April 2025
Meaningful Work Programming Approach
Report
14 April 2025
Meaningful Work Strategic Priorities Practical Guide
Reimagining Meaningful Work for Young People
Video
15 July 2024
Reimagining Meaningful Work for Young People
Report
15 July 2024
Crisis Of Opportunity: Young People Navigating the New Work Order
Report
15 July 2024
Future Ready: Reimagining Meaningful Work for Young People
Report
16 July 2024
YMCA announces new approach to tackle youth employment crisis (World Youth Skills Day 2024)
Report
15 July 2024