By Victor Ochieng’
vochieng.90@gmail.com
In December 2021, most of the universities in Kenya staged colourful graduations marked with razzmatazz. They churned out several graduates into the job market, something which was highly laudable and commendable. The only worry is whether these youths will fully get grafted into the world of work. The one-billion dollar question is: Will that mammoth number secure employment that brings enjoyment?
Now, as the penman Son of the Lake welds these words, the unemployment rate among youths in Kenya has hit the fan. Chips are down. Covid-19 is one of the factors to blame, but there is more into it.
Arguably, universities and colleges should re-examine their curriculums so that they produce graduates who are able and employable. Through well-thought-out talks and training services, they should put a lot of premium on skills enhancement-cum-development programmes so that they produce graduates ripe for job market.
• Categories of Skills
Skills taught in schools play a pivotal part in someone’s life. No wonder, Proverbs 22:29 asks the quality question and gives the response: “Do you see a man skilful in his work? He shall stand before Kings. He shall not stand before mean men.”
Apart from teaching hard skills, the best gift tertiary institutions can give to students, is to teach them nuts and bolts of soft skills, employability skills, life skills, transferable skills and 21st century skills. It is right to write: Our institutions teach a lot of hard skills. The graduation ceremonies and issuance of certificates upon completion are a true evidence to this assertion.
• Hard Skills
Somehow, hard skills are technical skills like management, media, engineering, finance, social science, et cetera. Hard skills are good and golden. Albeit, for our youths to survive and thrive out there, they need a colourful cocktail of skills.
• Soft Skills
Soft skills, also known as generic skills, are not taught in school, but people need them to climb the lofty ladder of life. They include: dependability, reliability, adaptability, flexibility, positive mental attitude, teamwork, integrity, etiquette, respect, time-consciousness, self-discipline, personal initiative, leadership, communication, confidence, creativity, passion, resilience and emotional intelligence.
• Employability Skills
Also, to be employable, one should wield employability skills, which include: the art of asking, ability to locate job sites, ability to write cover letters and CVs, ability to pass aptitude tests and job interviews. Apprenticeships, internships and voluntary work are of essence; for they help professionals to learn the ropes. One needs to know how to build meaningful networks and to keep relationships. It is also important to focus on good grooming skills, office etiquette, professionalism and negotiation skills.
• Life Skills
Life skills cannot be locked out of this cogent argument. They are skills we need in life. They are abilities that help people cope with this life rife with strife. Life skills can be welded into three categories: One, intra-personal or self-awareness skills, which are basically skills of knowing and living with oneself. Two, inter-personal skills, which puts puissance on the essence of living with others in the society. Three, we have skills of effective decision-making.
Intra-personal skills include self-awareness, self-esteem, self-motivation, self-discipline, time management, stress management and emotional intelligence. Intra-personal skills include empathy, assertiveness, negotiation, conflict resolution, friendship-formation and effective communication. Pertaining skills of effective decision making, we have decision-making itself, making choices, critical thinking, creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Transferable Skills
Moreover, for graduates to maintain employability, it is important to develop a range of stupendous skills that can be adapted for roles in a variety of situations. Such skills are known as transferable skills, which can be used across a variety of jobs or situations. They can be transferred to future employment settings. Such skills help people to see and seize infinite spectrum of opportunities.
Transferable skills are not formally taught at school, but they may develop in the course of life. For example, one of the common transferable skill is communication skills, which can take the form of writing well, eloquence in public speaking and excellent presentation skills. Martin Yate sagely said, “Regardless of profession or title, at some level, we are all hired to do the same job. We are all problem solvers, paid to anticipate, identify, prevent, and solve problems within our areas of expertise. Being aware of this is absolutely vital to job-search and career success in any field.”
Some of the transferable skills include: public relation, effective communication, customer service, leadership, planning, organisation, training and problem-solving skills. Others include: computer skills, driving skills, machine handling, equipment operation, repair skills, research and data-analysis skills.
• 21st Century Skills
The world of work is dynamic and constantly changing. No wonder, we must always be prepared to adjust, adapt and advance. It is important to access success in work and in life, as well as be an effective worker in the 21st Century. For this reason, every graduate should be armed with relevant content, knowledge, essential skills, and expertise in any chosen field.
Alongside technical skills, it is imperative to chisel 21st century skills. It is the only way to be tick in these climes and times – 21st Century. The skills include: communication, teamwork (collaboration), time management, self-motivation, creative thinking (innovation skills), leadership, adaptive and problem-solving skills.
The writer facilitates Skills Enhancement-cum-Development Programmes in universities, colleges and churches. He focuses on Soft Skills, Employability Skills, Life Skills, Transferable Skills and 21st Century Skills.
