Second Edition of the YIN Skills Hub Campus Training Equips Tertiary Students with Real-World Competencies for Career, Leadership, and Life
Amid a rapidly evolving job landscape and rising unemployment rates, the Young Investors Network (YIN) launched the second edition of its transformational Skills Hub Campus Training Program, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and direction among Ghana’s tertiary students.
At the heart of the program was Joshua Mensah, Youth Employability and Skills Development Specialist, and co-founder of Young Investors Network who led an energizing online session on 21st-century skills for young people. With charisma and deep insight, Joshua emphasized that in today’s world, academic qualifications are simply not enough.
“The degree is just the beginning. If you’re not building skills beyond the classroom, you’re preparing for a world that no longer exists,” Joshua challenged the audience.
According to recent global statistics, youth unemployment stands at 13.6% worldwide, with Sub-Saharan Africa facing an alarming 40% youth unemployment rate. “These numbers are not just statistics,” Joshua said. “They are a wake-up call.”
The Four Core Skill Pillars: Building Competence Beyond the Classroom
Joshua unpacked four essential skill sets needed for navigating the modern world:
- Foundational Skills – Mastering communication and digital literacy is now non-negotiable. “In a world driven by technology and collaboration, those who can express themselves clearly and harness digital tools will lead,” he noted.
- Employability Skills – From resume writing to interview mastery, Joshua shared techniques to help students stand out in competitive job markets. He encouraged mock interviews, peer reviews, and mentorship to sharpen these essentials.
- Entrepreneurial Skills – With job scarcity on the rise, Joshua advocated for students to learn business planning and financial literacy. “Entrepreneurship is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity for survival and self-reliance.”
- Life and Emotional Intelligence Skills – Citing self-awareness, empathy, and time management, Joshua emphasized that “Success isn’t just about IQ. Your emotional intelligence will determine how far you can lead and how well you can thrive in teams.”
Automation, AI, and the Urgency to Adapt
Joshua took the conversation further by shedding light on the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on traditional jobs. He emphasized that creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability are the currencies of the future.
“We are training young people today for jobs that do not yet exist,” he said. “That means learning how to learn, and being flexible enough to evolve.”
Practical Pathways for Skill Building
The session was not just theory—it was action-oriented. Joshua urged students to begin building their skills immediately through:
- Volunteering in community projects.
- Joining campus clubs, especially debate and leadership organizations.
- Enrolling in online courses to develop both hard and soft skills.
- Embracing opportunities for public speaking and networking.
“Join a debate club. Speak even if your voice shakes. Start a podcast. Take free online courses. Your future self will thank you.”
A Call to Action: Shape the Future, Don’t Wait for It
As the session concluded, a spark was lit. Students left inspired and equipped not just with knowledge, but with a clear call to action: take charge of your growth journey.
“The future is not something you enter. It’s something you create,” Joshua reminded them.
The YIN Skills Hub Campus Training Program stands as a beacon of hope, empowering Africa’s youth to not only survive but thrive in the 21st century.
The YIN Skills Hub Campus Training Program, Initiative by the Young Investors Network empowers tertiary students with critical 21st-century skills beyond academics. Focused on employability, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and emotional intelligence, the program bridges the gap between education and the job market. Through workshops, mentorship, and real-life training, YIN is shaping confident, future-ready youth across Ghana.
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