Forum
for Youth
To complement the
upcoming international conference on Developing Skills for the New
Economy, UNEVOC-Canada is pleased to launch an Online Discussion
Forum designed to engage youths in a discussion regarding the importance
of skills and knowledge in the New Economy. We urge youths to take the
opportunity to participate in the exchange of information and expression
of opinions provided by this interactive electronic network. You are
never too young to start thinking about your future!
To
access the Discussion Forum for Youths, please click on the link
http://webapps.cc.umanitoba.ca/unevoc/listPostings.asp?the=41
Please share this
information with colleagues within your network, as well as other youth
groups and organizations.
About the Conference
The explosive growth
of the New Economy has not only introduced a whole range of new occupations,
but has also altered the job content and skill requirements of existing
ones. Knowledge, skill, and the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills,
have replaced physical labour as the key element of production. Today's
carpenters must be knowledgeable of basic design and blueprint reading,
use of computer applications for estimation, and energy efficient construction.
Welders must be able to use pattern-drafting software and interpret welding
prints, material specifications, and procedures.
It is apparent that
our future requires education and innovation to develop and maintain
an efficient, competitive and successful workforce. Today's youth has
a critical role to play in fueling the New Economy. As tomorrow's workforce,
today's youth will have to compete in an increasingly knowledge-based
society. To succeed in today's ever-changing global economy, today's
youth must be exposed to the necessary skills and knowledge the New
Economy demands and the abundant professional opportunities it has to
offer.
To lead a discussion
regarding skill development for the New Economy, UNEVOC-Canada, the
Canadian Centre for UNESCO's International Project on Technical and
Vocational Education and the Canadian Vocational Association (CVA) and
will co-host an international conference, Developing Skills for the
New Economy on October 17-19, 2002 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
This conference will provide youth with the opportunity to explore career
options and the skills required to succeed as they experience active,
hands-on visits to potential career sites.