Purpose of the resource tool

This tool is part of an ongoing effort by the ILO, together with the IOE, to strengthen the capacity of employers’ organizations to engage in youth employment, especially in developing and transition countries. While a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this domain exist worldwide, this information is not necessarily available to employers who might most need it, particularly in countries where the youth employment challenge is more acute.  

The main purpose of this tool is to shed light on practical action and concrete programmes employers and their organizations, as well as other business associations, can undertake to promote youth employment. The information collected in this tool is by no means exhaustive. Rather, the tool, by selectively pulling together and systematically organizing examples of employers’ and business initiatives on youth employment, aims to serve as a “bank of ideas” for employers and other business actors interested in pro-actively engaging in youth employment.
User friendliness and practicality being at the heart of this project, it is hoped that the initiatives reviewed in this tool will be a source of inspiration, encouragement and action for many and will lead to the replication or launch of new programmes to support young people in their successful integration into the world of work.

The tool is the result of a joint endeavour between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization of Employers (IOE). It has been prepared by the ILO Youth Employment Programme in partnership with the Enterprise Development Department, the Skills and Employability Department, and the Bureau for Employers’ Activities.

A word of special thanks goes to the employers’ organizations and other business partners who have generously contributed valuable information to make this tool happen.