Vocational Skills Must Be Prioritised to Address Youth Unemployment – USTED Lecturer
USTED lecturer calls for greater investment in vocational training to equip young people with practical skills and employment opportunities.
- Youth unemployment remains a major concern.
- Not every youth is suited to classroom education.
- Dr. Amanfo urges priority for vocational skills.
Dr. Barnabas Addai Amanfo, a lecturer at the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), has raised concerns over the growing challenge of youth unemployment, describing the situation as worrying and calling for greater attention to vocational and practical skills training.
According to him, the lack of employment opportunities for the growing number of young people has negative consequences for individuals and society at large.
Speaking on Adeakye Obaapa, hosted by Wofa Kofi Appiah on Obaapa TV/Radio 100.9, Dr. Amanfo stressed that not every young person is suited to traditional classroom-based education.
He explained that some individuals possess natural abilities and interests in practical and hands-on work, which should be identified, nurtured and developed.
Dr. Amanfo therefore called for greater recognition and investment in vocational skills, saying young people should be encouraged to explore careers beyond conventional white-collar professions.
He emphasised that vocational and technical work should be treated as an important pathway to employment and self-reliance rather than being viewed as an option only for those who do not pursue academic education.
The lecturer urged families, educational institutions and policymakers to create an environment where young people can develop practical skills that match their talents and the demands of the job market.
He said giving greater priority to vocational training could help equip young people with the skills needed to create employment opportunities for themselves and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
