As part of its activities on the forthcoming World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) 2017 on the 15th of July, UNESCO-UNEVOC invites you to participate in the Skills in Action photo competition. We are inviting amateur or professional photographers to contribute and use their skills in capturing pictures that not only show but tell inspiring stories regarding “Youth and Skills” as an entry to our Skills-in-Action Photo Competition.

UNESCO-UNEVOC continues its endeavors for skills development of the young people and strengthens their capacity to help address the many challenges facing society, including unemployment, exclusion and environmental degradation. There is no better investment than helping a young person to develop their abilities. Successful skills programmes provide young people with experience, employment and lifelong learning opportunities.

This year UNESCO-UNEVOC calls on all involved in skills development to celebrate the achievements of young people in TVET, and raising awareness about the importance of youth skills development.

What do we want from you?

Capture amazing moments when skills are in action, showing how Technical and vocational education and training (TVET)and skills development are contributing to one of the following:

• Encouraging youth employment and entrepreneurship – showing how youth are able to put skills acquired into practice, leading to securing jobs or starting their own businesses.
• Promoting equity and gender equality –showing how access to skills development should be for all young people and how skills development can overcome gender stereotypes and inequality issues
• Facilitating transition to sustainable economies and societies - showing how young people with skills can adopt to cater for sustainable development and to address climate change and other sustainable development related issues

Why is it important to capture Skills in Action?

Above all, your inspiring stories will help show how TVET and skills development is enabling young people to contribute to the three areas mentioned above. Those participating will also stand to win a prize.

In a world where countries are facing high levels of youth unemployment, rapidly changing labour markets, technological advancements, and persistent social inequalities, the important role of TVET is increasingly being recognized.

Despite its prospects, TVET has often been considered as a second-category pursuit; the perception being largely rooted in poor investment, quality and relevance.

Whether acquired at school or in the workplace, every day people across the globe use their skills to make the world a better place. Unfortunately, there is a lack of practical and insightful evidence on how young people worldwide are benefitting from technical and vocational education and training. The stories remain largely untold, which hinders awareness raising and further investments in TVET.

Participate now!

Learn more about the Skills in Action Photo Competition and how to participate here.