Skills Summary

Skills Summary supports the recognition of learning and skills development in youth work and volunteering.

It brings together:

• A transversal skills framework that provides a shared language for that learning
• Approaches and activities that support young people to understand the skills they have learned
• A digital platform skillssummary.ie that helps understand, capture, evidence and communicate skills clearly

Skills Summary was developed in partnership between NYCI, spunout and Accenture, and in collaboration with young people, Youth Affairs and many youth and voluntary organisations across Ireland and support from Volunteer Ireland. It is funded by the Department of Education and Youth.

RECOGNISING THE VALUE OF YOUTH WORK AND TRANSVERSAL SKILLS

Young people develop a wide range of essential skills through youth work and volunteering – including communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity and critical thinking.

However, these skills are often:

• Overlooked or undervalued
• Difficult to recognise and articulate
• Not fully connected to education and employment pathways

If young people are not aware of their strengths and capabilities, they can miss out on opportunities they are ready for. And youth workers miss out on capturing and showcasing the impact of their work.

WHAT ARE TRANSVERSAL SKILLS?

Transversal skills (sometimes called soft, transferable or 21st century skills) are the skills that help young people succeed in all areas of life. UNESCO defines them as:

“Skills that are typically considered as not specifically related to a particular job, task, academic discipline or area of knowledge and that can be used in a wide variety of situations and work settings (for example, organisational skills).”

They include:

There is actually nothing “soft” about those skills – they are foundational skills for life, learning and work, and are increasingly important in a rapidly changing world.

WHY TRANSVERSAL SKILLS MATTER NOW

As the world changes and AI and the workforce continue to evolve, transversal skills are:

• Among the most in-demand skills by employers
• Key to navigating uncertainty and change
• Critical for wellbeing, relationships and participation
• Skills that differentiate human potential in an AI-driven world

Youth work plays a vital role in developing these skills and Skills Summary ensures that role is recognised.

When young people can recognise and express their skills:

• They feel more confident in themselves and their abilities
• They are better able to take up opportunities
• They can navigate transitions into education, training and employment
• They are more likely to reach their full potential

Without this recognition, valuable learning remains invisible — to young people and to others.

YOUTH WORK’S ROLE

Youth work is a powerful space for developing transversal skills.

Through participation in youth work, young people:

• Benefit from the support of skilled youth workers who create safety, opportunities for learning, encourage participation and agency
• Learn by doing (experiential learning)
• Work through challenges in supportive environments
• Collaborate in groups and build relationships
• Take the lead and make decisions
• Reflect on their experiences and growth

Youth work is often where these skills are developed most deeply – but they are not always recognised. Skills Summary supports youth work to make this learning visible and valued.

WHAT WE DO

Skills Summary supports the sector to:

• Make learning visible by recognising the skills developed through youth work and volunteering
• Build a shared understanding of transversal skills across the sector
• Develop a shared language around skills
• Promote the value of youth work as a key space for learning and skills development
• Support young people to identify and showcase their strengths
• Support young people’s progression into education, training and employment
• Connect youth work with education, employment and wider society

At its core, Skills Summary positions youth work as an essential space for young people learn and develop skills for life.

GET INVOLVED!

There is a lot on offer:
👉 Explore the Skills Summary platform: skillssummary.ie>>
👉 Join a training course
👉 Request a training course for your organisation
👉 Join our Skills Summary Community of Practice
👉 Access resources
👉 Access e-learning
👉 Contact us with any questions or support needs

YOUTH WORK IMPACT LAB

SKILLS SUMMARY IN YOUTH WORK

SKILLS SUMMARY E-LEARNING COURSE

We offer a variety free training courses. You can sign up for any upcoming training or request a training or an information session for your organisation.

Find out more »

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USEFUL VIDEOS

HOW SKILLS SUMMARY HELPS

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

YOUTH SKILLS FEST