Creating decent employment for youth is a daunting challenge in Sri Lanka in the current context, where the country’s economy is in distress. According to World Bank data, the youth unemployment rate stands at 26.1 percent in the country as of 2022. The youth unemployment rate refers to the share of the economically active population aged 15 to 24 currently without work but in search of employment.
The issue has been in intense discussion over the past few decades at the highest forums, yet there is no clear solution yet. The country confronts a paradoxical situation where youth are demanding jobs on the one hand and the job market is suffering from the unavailability of skilled workers on the other.
This skills mismatch is one of the biggest reasons for the increasing youth unemployment issue in Sri Lanka and perhaps many other developing countries. This is directly related to the existing supply-driven, not demand-driven, education structure. The lack of interface among stakeholders such as educationists, policymakers, industrialists, traders, and employment trainers creates a more dangerous and lasting social setback in the long run.
The consequences of skill mismatches within a labour market are extensive and multifarious. Job seekers struggling with skill mismatches often experience prolonged periods of joblessness as their qualifications fail to align with available job opportunities. Tackling skills mismatches demands a strategic approach to aligning education with industry needs.
Therefore, the country’s economic mechanism must consider strategies to generate employment for the several hundred thousand youngsters who enter the job market annually after completing school or university education. Studies reveal that lack of skills-based training, obsolete curricula, and poor knowledge of soft skills are some of the key areas that need prompt attention by the authorities. Undoubtedly, a huge gap between the education system and the existing employment market exists.
Many factors are identified by experts as contributing to this disparity in Sri Lanka. Insufficient knowledge, lack of skills, inadequate experience, internships, and poor knowledge of work ethics are some of the key reasons for the current increase in unemployment. Also, making matters worse, a lack of understanding of soft skills makes candidates unemployable in the private sector. The existing traditional examination-based education that prevails in the country does not support producing employable youth.
Expectations
Education mismatch occurs when individuals possess qualifications, skills, or knowledge that do not align with the requirements of the job they seek. This discrepancy between education and employment expectations is a prevalent issue, particularly among the youth in Sri Lanka.
Misalignment between the syllabuses offered in educational institutions and the skills required by employers is a significant factor contributing to this discrepancy. Outdated or impractical coursework may leave students ill-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the workforce when they enter the job market.
Authorities must critically look at the three tiers of the prevailing education system, which consist of school education, university education, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The common opinion among employers in Sri Lanka is that the school education system needs a substantial shift to identify the skills of students at early stages for directing and training them suitable for the future. The curriculum should be technology- and ICT-based, and even extracurricular activities should be designed for skill development.
Another aspect of the education mismatch is the disproportionate prominence given by society to obtaining degrees rather than acquiring practical skills. This societal emphasis on obtaining degrees rather than acquiring practical skills aggravates the mismatch more.
Regrettably, many university students in Sri Lanka pursue higher education with the belief that a degree alone guarantees employment, neglecting the importance of gaining relevant skills and experience. The key reason is that most often, graduates from Sri Lankan universities expect jobs in the public sector, even when they know the salary limitations of such jobs.
They grossly disregard the fact that although a degree may open doors, it is the possession of relevant skills that truly enhances employability. The disparity between educational qualifications and the skills demanded by the job market can hinder young people’s ability to secure meaningful employment.
One of the primary causes of education mismatch is the presence of outdated and static curricula in educational institutions. A failure to incorporate current industry trends and requirements can leave graduates with skills that are no longer in demand. Experts opine that most of the current programs in state universities are obsolete and do not match the private sector job market.
Training
New programs should be introduced that are relevant to the opportunities available in the private sector. The syllabi must include practical training while at the university to gain hands-on experience before getting exposed to the job market. Internship programs in private sector institutions would be tremendously helpful to undergraduates in obtaining on the-job training.
Almost all educational programs in Sri Lanka lack practical components, leaving students with theoretical knowledge but limited real-world experience.
Practical exposure through viable projects or industry collaborations is crucial for developing skills that enhance youth employability.
Career guidance can provide individuals with accurate and up-to-date information about different career options, job market trends, and educational requirements. This information can help individuals make informed decisions about their career choices. Career guidance enhances the employability of a student and can help individuals develop the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in their chosen careers.
In Sri Lanka, unavailability or insufficient career guidance programs in educational institutions contribute to young individuals making uninformed choices about their academic and career paths. A lack of awareness about the job market and industry expectations can lead to the pursuit of degrees that may not align with actual job opportunities.
What are the strategies to enhance youth employability to mitigate the education mismatch? First and foremost, the country’s educational system must undergo curricular reforms to ensure alignment with current industry needs.
Regular reviews and updates to curricula, the integration of practical components, and the incorporation of emerging technologies can prepare young individuals for the workforce.
Promoting practical skills development programs for school-leavers, as discussed earlier, must be intensified with properly strategised career guidance services across the system. Providing students with accurate information about various career paths, industry expectations, and emerging trends can empower them to make informed decisions about their education and future careers.
Establishing strong partnerships between educational institutions and industries is essential. The industry-academia collaboration is imperative for inputs in curriculum development. Outsourced expertise in relevant professions, guest lectures, and internship opportunities can bridge the gap between education and employment.
Holistic
Education disparities pose a substantial challenge to youth employability in today’s fast-paced and competitive Sri Lankan job market.
A holistic approach is required for the issue, involving educational institutions, industries, policymakers, and job seekers themselves. In order to navigate the complexities, the authorities must implement curricular reforms, promote practical skills development, strengthen career guidance services, and foster industry-academia collaboration.
It is imperative to recognise the evolving nature of industries and adapt educational systems accordingly to ensure that the youth are well-equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive environment. Bridging the gap between education and employment is not only essential for the personal success of young individuals but also crucial for the overall socio-economic development of nations.
