Developing Twenty-first Century Skills Among Youth: Opportunities and Challenges in Skill Development Across the Globe

Purpose.This chapter discusses the challenges and different strategies to increase skill development for the future workforce. Methodology.Multiple sources on the topic were studied and reviewed in this chapter. The idea of skill and its development is discussed in the literature review. Findings.Different nations’ governments have promoted human capital development by providing up-skilling and retraining programs to balance supply and demand. Skills gaps need to be brought to the attention of stakeholders, such as governments, businesses, and the educational system. Teachers, employers, and other stakeholders need to develop strategies and action plans to ensure that the skills gaps are appropriately identified and adequately addressed. These initiatives must be developed with input from various stakeholders. Practical Implications.The research results would inform the curriculum, incorporating skill development processes tailored to various scenarios. These findings would aid business organisations in crafting skill development programs that address identified skill gaps. Challenges in skill development would be taken into account during course development, and relevant teaching–learning materials would be created. Key stakeholders, such as accrediting organisations, employers, and students, should exert more influence on academic institutions to prioritise societal demands for economic development. Originality/Value.The uniqueness and significance of this chapter lie in its concise summary of the strategies to tackle the hurdles in skill development.