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According to the International Labour Organisation, by 2050, one in every three young people on earth will be of African origin. Yet, across the continent, an estimated 23.6 million youths (aged 15-35) are unemployed, with that number projected to grow to 27 million by 2030. This alarming data highlights a pressing concern: Africa is not effectively harnessing its demographic advantage—the youth.
Youth unemployment is a persistent issue across Africa, and a significant factor contributing to this problem is the failure of many educational institutions to prepare students for the demands of the job market. By 2030, approximately 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills, yet many students face the challenges of a digital divide.
This gap between academic learning and real-world skills leaves graduates ill-prepared for the complexities of employment. Without the necessary practical skills and knowledge, many young people struggle to thrive in the world of work. To address this challenge, the region must innovate by creating new opportunities and leveraging existing resources to reform its learning and labor landscapes.
Work-based learning (WBL) offers a practical and effective solution. This approach allows learning institutions in Africa to bridge the gap between education and employment by exposing students to the realities of the workforce before they graduate. According to INCLUDE, an African-Dutch initiative, WBL refers to practical or on-the-job training provided through apprenticeships, internships, learnerships, work placements, or other hands-on components of vocational education or training programs. The structured program combines academic instruction with practical, real-world experience. WBL allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world tasks and projects in the workplace.
South Sudanese students sitting for school exams. (JC McIlwaine)
As mentioned, WBL comes in various forms, such as internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing. These experiences give students a valuable inside look at different industries, helping them understand the technical skills needed for specific jobs and the soft skills essential for professional success.
While academic knowledge is crucial, traditional education often fails to equip students with the practical skills required to succeed in various professions. Without real-world experience, many graduates face steep learning curves as they enter the workforce, struggling with essential skills such as collaboration, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and adapting to the fast pace of professional environments.
In today’s rapidly changing economy, driven by technological innovation, the gap between education and employment readiness is more evident than ever. Job requirements constantly evolve, and employers increasingly seek candidates who can hit the ground running, helping them save money and time on extensive training programs. This is where work-based learning proves indispensable, offering a vital tool for easing the transition from school to the workplace.
To ensure that WBL programs are effective, educational institutions must actively collaborate with businesses and industries. This collaboration can help design programs that align with the job market’s needs. Partnerships between schools and industry can provide internships, apprenticeships, and other hands-on training opportunities integrated directly into the curriculum. Moreover, educators and employers can jointly develop assessment tools to evaluate practical competencies beyond academic performance.
In addition to school-industry partnerships, students need support and guidance throughout their academic journey. This involves providing mentorship, career counseling, and skill development programs that help students transition from the classroom to the workforce. By focusing on work-based learning, educational institutions can ensure that young people emerge as confident and capable professionals.
Work-based learning offers substantial benefits for students, schools, and employers. It ensures that students leave school with theoretical knowledge and the practical skills and experiences needed to excel in the workforce. By exposing students to the realities of the job market early in their education, they can make more informed career decisions, reducing the risk of unemployment and contributing meaningfully to the economy. Over time, this approach could significantly reduce youth unemployment across Africa and create a more skilled, prepared workforce that contributes to a thriving society.
Educational institutions must lead the charge in implementing work-based learning programs. By forging partnerships with industry stakeholders and preparing students for life beyond the classroom, they can ensure that students are ready to step confidently into the workforce. After all, learning should not stop at the classroom door. Or should it?
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