Vision 2030 White Logo

Pillar 2:
Meaningful
Work

We work with young people and communities on equitable education, training and employment opportunities

Meaningful Work Icon

66%

of young people worldwide do not have digital skills (World Skills Clock)

Meaningful Work Icon

29%

of young women are not in education, employment or training (young men: 14%) (UN)

Meaningful Work Icon

104 million

young people live on less than USD 1.90 a day

Our latest Meaningful Work news

YMCA eDU Hubs powered by Accenture connect communities

17 March 2024

Read full story

YMCA sets sights on global advocacy for ‘Meaningful W...

05 March 2024

Read full story

Youth Meaningful Work Survey concludes

28 January 2024

Read full story
Youth Champions meet virtually about Youth Meaningful Work Survey

Global Youth Champions unite around Meaningful Work sur...

19 December 2023

Read full story

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 story

Our case studies and projects

Take a look at some of the ways we address Meaningful Work:

Layla Riddoch Case Study

From youth club attendee to an accomplished staff member: The story of Layla Riddoch exemplifies the approach of YMCA Tayside to Meaningful Work.

YMCA Dublin, Ireland

In January 2024, YMCA Dublin launched Réidh Careers, introducing young people to the service and hospitality industries. From barista training to taking time out to visit local galleries together, the participants have learned a great deal in a short time.

Efo Korku Case Study

How the YMCA Filmmaking Project transformed the professional development of Efo Korku of YMCA Ghana.

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.

Some people stood around

Internal YMCA Transformation

The YMCA will review and develop its policies and practices to become a Movement where all its employees benefit from decent, meaningful, dignified and equitable work, as well as lifelong learning opportunities.

Some people working on laptops around a table

Global Advocacy

The YMCA amplifies the voices of young people and communities and advocates policies to ensure decent, flexible, meaningful and equitable access to employment, entrepreneurship and training opportunities.

YMCA at a job fair

Community Empowerment

By 2030, the YMCA Movement creates, strengthens and scales sustainable education, upskilling, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people and communities worldwide, with a focus on increasing their readiness for the Future of Work.

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.