Skills for social inclusion
Improving the labour market prospects and quality of work for those disadvantaged in the labour market is a key focus of the ILO’s social justice agenda. Concerted and focused efforts are needed to increase outreach, quality and relevance of education and training, and improve the links to the world of work. Given the heterogeneity of disadvantaged groups, such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, workers in rural areas or the informal economy, migrants or refugees, inclusive education and training systems and programmes need to:
• Identify and overcome the range of existing barriers through carefully designed policy intervention using universal design and targeted initiatives;
• respond flexibly to different needs;
• offer support services including remedial education, core skills, vocational training, work-based learning experience, awareness of labour rights, occupational safety and health and post-training support
• address questions of status and challenge social perceptions.
The Skills for Social Inclusion (S4SI) team is working with ILO social partners worldwide to build inclusive TVET systems and support targeted initiatives to address challenges faced by disadvantaged groups and support transitions to decent work.
Areas of work
Skills for rural employment
Explore how skills training can alleviate rural poverty by enhancing employability & income opportunities. Discover the ILO’s TREE Programme, empowering communities through targeted skills development
Skills for migrant workers
Migrants face diverse challenges based on age, gender, culture, education, and migration corridors. The ILO’s research on Skills and Migration targets policies to improve migrant employment.
Skills for transition to formality
Most young people lack access to formal education. Easier transitions to the labor market are possible with better access to skills, lifelong learning, and inclusive recognition of prior learning.
Skills for Gender Equality
Women face lifelong educational disadvantages, unpaid care work, and job segregation, limiting their choices. Gender-responsive skills development broadens opportunities and promotes equality.
Skills for persons with disabilities
TVET systems often exclude persons with disabilities due to inaccessible methods and lack of awareness among staff. Disability inclusion should be mainstreamed in all skills development.
Skills to combat forced labour
Many people remain stuck in a cycle of low skills, poverty, and limited opportunities, making them vulnerable to severe labor exploitation, including forced labor.
Skills for youth employment
Youth face high unemployment, lack experience, and age discrimination. Access to quality education, skills training, work-based learning, and career guidance is crucial.
Skills in fragile settings
Conflict & disasters have direct & long-lasting impacts on the world of work. Inclusive vocational training aids post-crisis recovery & fosters social cohesion in fragile communities.
Skills for people in conflict with the law
Skills programs for those in conflict with the law face barriers like limited resources, stigma, & reintegration challenges. Effective training must be inclusive, offering vocational and life skills.
Impact Stories
Video
Unlocking Potential: ILO's apprenticeship programme in Uganda
Global challenges- Global solutions podcast
Informal apprenticeships and the future of work
ILO Voices
As a refugee, my new skills have given my family hope
Video
Increasing the possibilities for my future
Publications
Publication
Guidelines for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and skills systems on preventing and eliminating violence and...
ILO-UK Skills for Prosperity in South-East Asia Programme
Financing mechanisms for promoting social inclusion in skills and lifelong learning systems: Global overview of current practices and...
Guide and assessment tool on the inclusiveness of TVET and skills development systems for all
Related content
Skills and Lifelong Learning
Skills for Employment Policy Briefs