A government delegation from the Kingdom of Thailand, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Labour and the National Economic and Social Development Council, along with the President of Udon Thani Rajabhat University, recently undertook a visit to Italy. The visit was facilitated by UNICEF Office Thailand and the European Training Foundation (ETF). The primary focus of the visit was to engage in a peer learning program, exploring policy approaches and innovative programs that address the challenges of youth unemployment and poverty by providing skills development opportunities.
The visit built upon a comprehensive study conducted by the Government of Thailand and UNICEF Thailand, in collaboration with the ETF. The research shed light on the increasing number of NEETs (youth not in employment, education, or training) in Thailand and the identified the key factors contributing to the NEET phenomenon in Thailand, such as the lack of motivation to develop skills or work due to a perceived lack of opportunities.
The visit was inaugurated by productive sessions at the ETF, where the delegation was engaged in discussions on integrated policy approaches to tackle youth unemployment and inactivity, with a focus on the Youth Guarantee scheme. Among the key messages shared, significant emphasis was given to the growing diversity of NEETs, the need for context-based approaches and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including ministries, local authorities, civil society and private sector. The Youth Guarantee received significant attention, with exchanges focusing on preventive measures, work-based learning, career guidance, outreach, communication strategies, monitoring mechanisms, and indicators.
Following the introductory day at the ETF, the delegation embarked on practical visits to regional authorities in Piedmont and Veneto. These visits provided an opportunity to gain insights into the Italian national context and education system, explore different education and training options at national and regional levels, and learn about best practices in activating NEETs and supporting their transition to work. Additionally, the delegation visited training providers at the Marine Training Center in Venice, to appreciate the regional integrated system of education, training, and transition to work.
These visits enabled the Thai delegation to gain a better understanding of the European experience related to the design and delivery of Youth Guarantee schemes, including the implementation and monitoring of Youth Guarantee at the regional level in Italy, with a particular emphasis on the roles of public employment services and education and training providers.
To broaden the picture of initiatives supporting youth skills development and employment, the delegation visited the Talent Garden in Turin, an innovative hub supporting education and entrepreneurship for young people, and two excellences of the higher education system in Piedmont: the University of Turin (UNITO) and the University of Gastronomical Sciences (UNISG) in Pollenzo. These visits provided valuable insights on best practices that empower the young population with the necessary skills for a prosperous future.
Overall, the visit to Italy facilitated an exchange of experiences and knowledge between Thailand and European counterparts, particularly in the areas of designing, delivering, and monitoring the Youth Guarantee. By leveraging the insights gained from the visit, Thailand aims to develop tailored solutions that empower its young population, combat youth unemployment and poverty, and ultimately foster economic growth and development.
For more information, read the article on the ETF website: Combatting youth unemployment and poverty with skills development: ETF and Thailand exchange experience | ETF (europa.eu)
Link to the study on NEETs in Thailand: In-depth research on youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) in Thailand
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