Provide Skills for Indonesian Unemployed Youth

Dear YUM supporters,

My name is Joanna, and I am a student from France pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international Solidarity Project Management. I am currently doing a four-month internship at YUM, focusing on the Vocational Training Centre (VTC) project. With this letter, I would like to share my experience working at the VTC in Cipanas, West Java.

At this moment, we are conducting an assessment of the project to gain a deeper understanding of its activities. Our goal is to comprehend the current employment situation and the needs of the youth, in order to identify potential improvements that can be made through this project to better support them.

What we found in the area in terms of employment is that potential employers are increasingly seeking candidates with strong interpersonal skills to stand out in such a competitive environment. Traits such as confidence and reliability are highly valued. Also, the service sector, which accounts for 42% of the GDP, is just as significant as the industrial sector and continues to grow. This sector is crucial for employment opportunities, highlighting the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills to thrive in this dynamic field. Additionally, there is a very high success rate among entrepreneurs. 

I also had the opportunity to attend English classes and meet the students, who are very motivated and curious! We were able to discuss cultural differences, their eagerness to learn English, and how this skill can benefit their future careers.

The VTC provides an excellent opportunity for young people to acquire valuable skills and stand out in the job market. This initiative is crucial for lifting youth out of poverty and increasing their employment prospects. With its ability to adapt to the evolving employment landscape, VTC holds significant potential for positive impact. These studies can guide us in enhancing and tailoring VTC to be as relevant as possible to the needs of the youth.

Based on a satisfaction survey run with the students, we can already say that the VTC students are very satisfied about the courses and that it reaches their expectations. Thank you for your generous support to this project!