How do we meet the challenge of youth employability? Using LinkedIn as a "digital employability skill"

33% of Adults 18 -24 believe the biggest barrier to not improving their skills is a lack of time according to: https://www.fenews.co.uk/employability/uk-youth-optimistic-about-tech-careers-despite-digital-skills-gap/

How do we meet the challenge of youth employability? Using LinkedIn as a "digital employability skill" Is it just me, or is everyone saying that “the job market is tough” at the moment? The Bank rate is currently at its highest level for 16 years. With interest rates being high it is having an effect on consumers and employers alike. Squeezing the job market and opportunities for adults and young people alike to get jobs, or begin their careers or transition into higher paid roles and make career transitions to the next level in their career.

A technologically savvy young person who knows how to use LinkedIn “as a digital employability skill” is at an advantage. I’m excited by the opportunities and possibilities that LinkedIn has for young people to leverage it to: Increase and expand their network To learn digital and workplace skills via e-learning opportunities on and off LinkedIn To use their ‘’digital native skills” to attract work on LinkedIn To be connected to a wider range of job opportunities including apprenticeships, graduate schemes and entry level jobs The shocking thing is that the assumption that young people are digital natives and are embracing technology and AI is not all that it seems. Yet these statistics illustrate concerns from young people about: “Overall, young people are attracted to the idea of having a job that involves technology and view digital skills as essential for their future career development. However, that desire is higher among young men (78% vs 64% for all young people).”

“There is a slight gender difference, with 54% of young women learning [digital skills] by themselves, versus 43% of young men.” “53% of our respondents have used an AI chatbot and are curious about how they can use AI tools like these in their lives. However, many young people are worried about AI and what it might mean for future jobs.” Source for all quotes: https://digitalyouthindex.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Digital-Youth-Index-2023-report.pdf How can organisations like yours and young people make the most of LinkedIn as a tool for professional and business success? We need young people and all adults entering the workplace to have digital skills which enable them to represent themselves, their organisation and advance their career. So how can we encourage young people to embrace LinkedIn as a tool for career success? LinkedIn offers a massive opportunity for young people to access opportunities, to build relationships and increase their net worth.

For this reason, young people should focus and make time to learn how to use LinkedIn. This talk will: Outline the opportunities for young people using LinkedIn How to build a confident mindset for using LinkedIn Will take them through my 5 steps for LinkedIn profile optimisation Will share with them LinkedIn Success Behaviours Will provide them with content ideas for early career/school/university leavers Will organisations support young people with employability opportunities I have Dyslexia and Dyscalculia and I'm excited to support youth employability and helping them to embrace digital skills!

I am Ekua Cant, a LinkedIn and Career Coach.