World Youth Skills Day 2025

July 15^th signals the arrival World Youth Skills Day, with this year’s theme centred heavily on the continued growth of AI. The key focus of this is how AI can empower youth through learning the necessary digital skills to drive a ‘peaceful, inclusive and sustainable future’.

World Youth Skills Day acts as a driver for equipping young people with skills and creating opportunities for dialogue with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) organisations, including businesses, institutions and policy makers.

UN Secretary, General António Guterres commented: “As AI reshapes our world, young people must be seen not just as learners – but as co-creators of a fairer digital future.”

This year marks the 10^th anniversary since World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) was founded by the United Nations General Assembly, celebrating the importance of providing young people with the necessary skills for employment.

With the number of young people in the UK Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) decreasing by 64,000 between January-March 2025 (according to government findings, published in June). This means that seemingly more young people are finding their way into employment, work-based training and or education. Potential employers will therefore need to understand the unique legal implications of having young people in the workplace, as well as how to effectively perform in-work training such as apprenticeships.

Learn more about your responsibilities as an employer.

Call Croner on 0808 501 6651.

Dan Wilson, Head of HR at Croner comments:

“As an employer, managing young people in the workplace comes with its own unique set of challenges. Legislation such as The Working Time Regulations dictate the number of hours a young worker between 16 and 18 can legally work in a week, and there are certain hours that those classed as young workers cannot work. There is also the potential of having to balance their employment around any educational commitments.”

Adding; “Employers should keep accurate records documenting the hours that a young person has worked to showcase that they have not worked over the legal limit or during restricted hours.”

One such way to bring youth and talent into your business is through apprenticeships. These are typically an effective way for young people over 16 to gain experience and qualifications in a skilled trade. This will take proper planning as there are multiple avenues you can pursue when considering an apprenticeship offer.

Dan comments: “When hiring an apprentice, you should choose the apprenticeship standard and framework that you want to use. This will often be dependent on the industry that your business is involved in. You should also do some research into whether you are eligible for funding on the Government’s website.”

He adds: “Whilst it is similar to the regular hiring process, instead of a standard contract of employment, you should provide an apprenticeship agreement and a commitment statement. This is your responsibility as an employer to provide this.”

You should seek the advice of a professional HR company when looking to draft up an apprentice agreement, as this can potentially act as the apprentice’s contract of employment.

Croner can help you with ensuring legal compliance with your Employment Law and Health and Safety obligations. When it comes to introducing young people into apprenticeships and the world of work, ensure that you provide your business with the correct foundations that can help the next generation of workers excel.

Call Croner today on 0808 501 6651.