A preliminary assessment conducted by the Kymistämö project during the winter of 2023-2024 revealed a need to deepen the understanding of themes related to the future of young people in Kymenlaakso. Particularly in primary schools, such information was lacking. While more secondary vocational education has made strides in foresight, even there, future-related information does not reach all members of these organizations.
“Instead of maintaining the protective walls of the current situation, perspectives should be broadened, values discussed, and young people helped to understand that their individual choices have both personal and societal impacts.”
This insight emerged from a survey conducted among Kymenlaakso’s primary schools. The respondents notably believed that the best future-related information comes from external experts rather than schools or parents.
Diverse educational and recreational opportunities, open job positions, and successful businesses can open positive future perspectives, making emigration less likely for the youth. An energetic region influences young people’s plans and vice versa: an aging Kymenlaakso cannot thrive without its youth. Both aspects must be communicated effectively.
The challenge lies in the quantitative shortage of the required workforce and the mismatch between education and the skills needed in the labour market. Job titles and tasks are constantly evolving. Organization’s workforce needs vary seasonally and often depend on large, single employers or investments.
More attention is needed on interdisciplinarity, small businesses, and self-employment. This is one way to increase the region’s resilience against economic fluctuations and create interesting and meaningful jobs for young people.
”The change in attitude must come from the youth. An entrepreneurial mindset is needed, which ultimately creates new jobs.”
From an individual’s perspective, education no longer guarantees employment, even though it remains a significant factor. Responding to changing needs requires vision in both curriculum content and its combinations from educators and learners.
Renewing Education – promoting continuous learning
”Our current work-life skills and competencies are produced for yesterday’s education services, let alone the future,” commented an expert in an interview with Kymistämö. “Understanding skill needs locally, while also considering global trends and sustainability goals, can help achieve sustainable education,” another expert continued.
Flexible and constantly evolving education models must quickly adapt to the changing skill needs of the labour market. Cross-cutting phenomena like the green transition and digitalization must be considered anew in both educational organization and content. Education models should not only cover professional skills but also foster critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary understanding.
Furthermore, broad-based education is a key factor in innovation and creating new things. This approach enables individuals to adapt to a rapidly changing work environment and promotes continuous learning and renewal.
Working with Future Knowledge Continues
To familiarize a broader audience with youth future themes and integrate these themes into regional decision-making, the Kymistämö project has compiled a publication focusing on the future of young people in Kymenlaakso. Our goal is to provide professionals in education, upbringing, and guidance, as well as regional developers, with the tools to address contemporary, region-specific future themes.
“Youth of Kymenlaakso – From Here to the Future” compilation will be published in August 2024. Follow the project’s website for more information. Additional foresight materials are presented on the website www.ennakointi.kymenlaakso.fi.