World Youth Skills Day 2023. Skills for the future of projects
Changes in technology and working practices, means that younger generations will need to adapt to the changing skills requirements in an ever-changing world of work.
World Youth Skills Day, taking place on 15 July, focuses on transforming youth skills for the future to ensure young people of today are prepared for future employment, whichever career they choose.
Project management is an attractive first choice career for younger generations, as it offers financial rewards (average salary of £47,500) as well as the opportunities to work in various industries and sectors such as construction, engineering, IT, healthcare and finance.
The top three most important skills considered to be needed for success in a career in projects are:
- Communications skills (as voted for by 44% of respondents in APM’s latest Salary and Market Trends Survey 2023)
- Project leadership (38%)
- Stakeholder engagement (34%)
The communication skillset – listening, verbal, non-verbal, public speaking, empathy, leadership communication and organisation – are considered vital for any aspiring projects manager, and indeed a range of other careers can each be learned through training and skills development.
Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, said, “Communication skills being considered a key skill requirement for future project practitioners is a true reflection of the changing working cultures impacting the profession today, where the ability to communicate quickly and effectively remains a vital requirement between teams, andsomething that the younger generation particularly values.
“Projects are a team effort and so effective communications skills are of paramount importance for success. APM studies have shown that lack of communication is one of the biggest contributors to project failure, and so for anyone embarking on a career in project management, developing strong communications skills is key. APM has resources available offering insights and advice on how to develop and improve these skills.”
To help support young people in developing their considering a career in project management, APM resources are available to help for anyone just starting out or considering a career in project management including webinars, information, Project Me guide, blogs and APM student membership which is free and open to full and part-time students as well as apprentices aged 16 and over.
This article appears on the AM News and Blog site as "World Youth Skills Day 2023: Skills for the future of projects" dated July 15, 2023.
--Association for Project Management
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Achieving carbon targets and bridging the skills gap.
- APM articles.
- Apprenticeships levy.
- Boardroom to building site skills gap survey.
- Eight ways to win the fight for talent in construction.
- Net Zero not possible without right skills.
- Skills in the construction industry.
- Skills shortage.
- Student resources.
- Tackling the construction skills shortage.
- The future of architectural education.
- Winners announced at the APM Festival of Education and Research Awards.
- World Youth Skills Day.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.