This World Youth Skills Day, as we mark the 10th anniversary of celebrating youth skills, we reflect on the importance of equipping young people for an evolving digital landscape. The theme, “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills,” resonates deeply with our work, where we witness firsthand how digital literacy and creative technology can transform lives.

The young people we work with through our Youth Vocational programmes come from diverse backgrounds, often finding traditional school environments challenging. Their strength lies in their innate curiosity and a preference for hands-on, problem-solving approaches to learning. This natural inclination makes them ideal candidates for embracing the dynamic world of digital and AI-powered tools.

Through digital activities we can help young people address real-world issues in their lives and encourage them to critically examine their world. By providing an environment of encouragement and freedom, where they can produce what truly inspires them rather than adhering to rigid specifications, they create more spontaneously and often with a sense of fun. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone contributes, bringing diverse areas of expertise to the finished project, much like the interdisciplinary nature of AI development. Our partnerships with organisations like Kinia and the NYCI (National Youth Council of Ireland) further amplify our reach, providing access to creative experts and inclusion in vibrant showcase events.

Consider the vision of the Cobh promenade and nightclub, reimagined by our young people with LED lights and solar panels – a tangible example of their innovative thinking and how they apply digital skills to envision a better future for their town. This kind of project not only develops technical skills but also fosters a sense of ownership and community engagement.

How Digital Creativity Empowers Young People for the AI Era

In the creative process, we find that by providing just the basic digital skills, their natural curiosity (and healthy competitiveness) propels them to delve deeper into the technologies available. They understand that while their work will be subject to critique, they are in a supported, learning, and fun environment where “nothing is wrong,” and everything can be improved. This iterative approach mirrors the development cycles in digital innovation and AI.

This empowerment is particularly evident during our showcase events. From organising the event and presenting their work to demonstrating customer service skills, the young people truly thrive. A significant benefit is their ability to use these experiences to fulfill QQI requirements, thereby enhancing their qualifications and opening doors to further education and employment in digitally-focused fields.

Digital creation allows for profound self-expression. Young people utilize various platforms to share their ideas, and in doing so, they further develop crucial technical and communication skills – competencies increasingly vital in an AI-driven workforce. By transitioning from passive digital consumers to active digital creators, they not only boost their confidence but also cultivate the “future-ready skills” emphasized by World Youth Skills Day.

Our group’s success at Kinia Techfest, where they were nominated in categories like Best Youth Organisation and Best Young Tech Spacer (Abigail Byrne), was a testament to their dedication. Given that Kinia engages with over 20,000 young people, our trainees were absolutely thrilled by this recognition.

The integration of STEAM-related activities, often transcending formal modules, has led to a truly profound learning experience for our trainees. They are empowered to develop skills they are genuinely interested in, moving beyond rote learning to embrace discovery and practical application – a mindset crucial for engaging with complex technologies like AI.

So, we encourage you: go ahead, give it a go, and don’t be afraid. Young people will often run with ideas you initially think might not work (I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut!). Their innovative spirit, nurtured through digital and AI literacy, is key to shaping a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Kate Damery (Youth Vocation, Cobh)

For more information about our Youth Vocation or Digital Creativity work, please contact Kate Damery.