Connecting Skills with Jobs and Enterprise
A Skills training becomes more valuable when it opens the door to real economic opportunities. For young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), gaining a qualification is an important step—but connecting that qualification with a job or a viable business is equally important.
Through the Economic Acceleration and Resilience for NEET (EARN) Project, WAVE Foundation seeks to strengthen the connection between skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship for young people aged 15–35.
The initiative emphasises the importance of understanding labour-market demand and identifying training opportunities that can lead to meaningful employment. By considering the skills employers need and the opportunities available in local economies, training can better prepare young people for the world of work.
Employment support, internships, apprenticeships, and job-placement connections can help participants apply their learning in practical settings. For those interested in self-employment, entrepreneurship development training and support for small economic businesses can help them explore business ideas, understand markets, and develop essential management skills.
Social and emotional skills are also important. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-confidence can help young people navigate workplace expectations and manage the challenges of starting a business.
WAVE Foundation recognises that sustainable economic participation requires more than training alone. By connecting learning with employment and enterprise opportunities, the EARN Project aims to help young people move towards productive livelihoods, greater financial independence, and a stronger role in the economy.
