Leveraging Youth Employment Through Human Resource Practices and Vocational Education in Asia

Abstract

This paper reviewed how human resource (HR) practices and vocational education leverage you temployment in Asian countries, presented a statistical analysis of youth unemployment and employment, an formulated policy proposals that influence youth employment through HR practices and technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The study has used multiple data sources for data triangulation and combined qualitative and quantitative research. The study reveals that inadequate knowledge and skills have been responsible for substantial youth unemployment in Asian economies. Novel technologies and innovations cause substantial skills gaps in labor markets. Disruptive technologies make it difficult to predict future job skills. The existing skills in organizations engaged in information technology/business process outsourcing and tourism are becoming obsolete. Similarly, organizations engaged in financial services and advanced manufacturing are vulnerable to disruption. Therefore, HR practices in organizations need to adopt a more forward-looking approach and equip young workers with cross-job skills that enable them to perform new tasks. Therefore, skilled, knowledgeable, and trainable human resources should be recruited to perform human resource management tasks including routine and specialized activities. Besides, emerging employment opportunities in the context of new technologies should be tapped by developing compatible skills by reorienting existing educational and vocational education through robust TVET programs.