Youth employability and mentoring

Tackling youth unemployment is essential to break the cycle of poverty.

At SOS Children’s Villages, we provide young people in vulnerable situations with employability training, skills development and mentoring. These essential programmes help them build the confidence and abilities needed for a bright and secure future.

Why this support is needed

Transitioning to adulthood can be daunting, especially for young people leaving alternative care or struggling in unsupported families. Becoming self-reliant means facing everyday challenges, adapting to the loss of support, and entering the workforce.

For many, this process is even harder due to childhood trauma and limited guidance at home. Young people who have grown up without parental care are more likely to face additional challenges when entering employment.

1 in 4 young people

are not in employment, training or education globally.

Young women are twice as likely

to be out of education, employment or training, with 32.1% missing out compared to 15.4% of men.

89.7% of jobs

in the least developed countries are informal employment. Women are particularly affected, as 4 out of 5 jobs created for women are informal.

How we help

At SOS Children’s Villages, we empower young people as they transition to independence, focusing on their unique strengths and needs. We offer emotional and mental health support, career guidance, and vocational training to increase their employability and entrepreneurial prospects.

Our YouthCan! programme connects young people with mentors, support networks, and practical skills, helping them successfully transition from school to work. We also collaborate with partners to enhance employability initiatives and with governments to improve aftercare provisions worldwide.

Through digital access and learning, we ensure young people stay connected, build vital skills, and navigate the digital world responsibly.

In 2023, supporters and partners from the UK directly reached over 6,800 young people, through youth employability training and mentoring activities in 17 countries.