Bridging the skills gap

In developing countries, the role of state institutions and the government becomes indispensable. For the majority of citizens, who lack adequate exposure to information and knowledge, navigating the complexities of unemployment and underemployment is an insurmountable challenge without external support.

The assessment of students’ skills and aptitudes should be integrated into their education from an early age, across different stages of development. Counselling alone is insufficient; a complete overhaul of the education system is needed. This includes replacing traditional methods with more interactive, hands-on learning that develops cognitive abilities and practical skills. Utilising technologies like videos, simulations, AR, VR and project-based training will engage students and help them retain information by applying it in real-world contexts.

For younger students, early aptitude assessments and personalised learning can identify their strengths, while older students (10-15) can explore various fields and receive guidance aligned with their interests. Immersive learning tools for older students would allow them to experiment with complex subjects and gain practical experience. This approach fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and skill development, better preparing students for the future job market and addressing the skills gap in many economies.

Against this backdrop, governments bear a constitutional obligation to address these pressing issues, ensuring that fundamental rights — such as the right to security of life covering every aspect of life, right to work, education and equitable opportunities — are upheld. By providing comprehensive guidance, fostering skill development, and addressing systemic barriers, governments can mitigate the adverse effects of socioeconomic disparities.

This responsibility goes beyond simply formulating policies in English, and storing them in office cupboards or on websites; it requires active intervention to establish an inclusive system where marginalised communities are guided and empowered to break free from cycles of ignorance, poverty, and exploitation.

In societies with inequality and limited resources, job seekers — both skilled and unskilled — face significant challenges in the work- market. Skilled workers often lack awareness of emerging opportunities, while unskilled individuals struggle to find basic career guidance. The government must serve as a central hub, offering tailored support such as industry insights, mentorship, and vocational training. Utilising technology, such as online platforms, ensures critical information reaches underserved communities. This approach addresses immediate employment issues while empowering individuals for long-term success and helping them overcome systemic barriers to secure meaningful livelihoods.

The future of employment is influenced by rapid technological advancements and global shifts, offering both opportunities and challenges for marginalised communities in developing countries. Emerging sectors like renewable energy, AI, biotechnology and digital services are reshaping the job market. Without proactive intervention, these changes could worsen existing inequalities.

Governments must provide clear insights into trends such as automation, globalisation and evolving skill demands. By promoting awareness of high-growth fields, like green energy and AI, they can help marginalised communities make informed decisions, empowering them to escape underemployment and exploitation.

To prepare job seekers for shifts in the work market, governments must prioritise initiatives that promote adaptability and resilience, especially for those facing exploitation and underemployment. Tailored training programmes in emerging industries like renewable energy, digital technologies and healthcare can provide the necessary skills. Career counselling and skills development, such as vocational training and upskilling workshops, can help workers transition to high-growth fields. By investing in these resources, governments enhance employability and foster a workforce that drives innovation and counters systemic exploitation.

In societies marked by inequality, governments must also provide clear and accessible information about job availability, both domestically and internationally. Centralised platforms detailing local job openings, along with partnerships with foreign agencies, can help job seekers access global opportunities. This empowers marginalised communities, broadens their earning potential and contributes to economic mobility, reducing systemic injustice and exploitation.

Access to scholarships and funding for education and skill development is a cornerstone of empowering marginalised job seekers, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. For instance, government-funded scholarships targeting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can equip individuals with the technical expertise demanded by emerging industries. Similarly, vocational training grants can enable unskilled workers to acquire certifications in trades like plumbing, electrical work, or healthcare assistance.

By prioritising equitable access to these resources, governments ensure that financial constraints do not hinder individuals from improving their employability. Such initiatives not only uplift individuals but also contribute to building a more skilled and diverse workforce, ultimately fostering economic growth and social equity, and countering systemic injustice and exploitation.

The rise of transformative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation and other innovations, is reshaping the job market in profound ways. While these advancements create opportunities in fields like data science, robotics and cybersecurity, they also pose significant risks for marginalised communities, whose traditional roles are often the first to be displaced by automation.

To address this dual impact, governments must take proactive measures to inform job seekers about the implications of these technologies. Public awareness campaigns, workshops and digital literacy programmes can educate individuals on how AI and automation influence various industries. Moreover, governments should promote initiatives that help job seekers leverage these technologies in their career journeys, such as offering training in AI-driven tools or encouraging the adoption of digital platforms for job searches.

By equipping marginalised communities with the knowledge and skills to adapt to technological shifts, governments can ensure that job seekers remain competitive and resilient in an increasingly tech-driven economy, countering systemic exploitation and injustice.

By addressing employment challenges, governments can create a more informed and prepared workforce, especially in societies facing inequality and exploitation. Through structured guidance, insights into future trends, and initiatives promoting adaptability, job seekers — both skilled and unskilled — can navigate the work market with confidence.

Providing clear information on domestic and international opportunities, along with access to scholarships and skill development, removes financial barriers. Preparing individuals for emerging technologies enables them to leverage innovation rather than be displaced. These efforts enhance employability, strengthen economies, and promote sustainable growth, social equity, and meaningful employment, countering systemic injustice and exploitation.

The writer is an advocate of the high court and a former civil servant.