[Policy Brief] From Classroom to Career: Bridging the Skills Gap through Social Protection

Problem
Youth unemployment is rising: 20% of young people globally are NEET, with automation threatening 70% of jobs in developing countries. Education alone cannot bridge the gap; social protection (SP) must actively support school-to-work transitions.

Evidence

• Skills programs improve employment by 10–15% when employer-led; generic training underperforms.

• Women face systemic barriers: childcare gaps, safety risks, and STEM exclusion.

• Youth guarantees (EU) and PPPs (India) show results but need better monitoring.

Policy Options

1. Integrated youth guarantees: Cash + apprenticeship schemes for vulnerable youth.

2. Employer-driven curricula: Firms co-finance training, monitored for equity.

3. Gender-sensitive measures: Subsidized childcare, safe transport, mentorship.

4. Data systems: Forecast labor demand and track outcomes via social registries.

Impact
Bridging the skills gap reduces NEET rates, boosts productivity, and builds resilience. Youth employment is not charity — it is the foundation of long-term growth.