How can youth work experience help employers find the right skills and the right people for their teams?

A group of young people holding colourful signs with transversal skills: interpersonal skills, ethics & integrity, teamwork and organisation skills

Our report, The Role of Youth Work in Developing Workplace Skills, published in February 2025, explores how non-formal education equips young people with key transversal skills that are vital in today’s workplace.

Download the full report here>>>

Every year, thousands of young people across Ireland engage in youth work and volunteering. Through these experiences, they develop skills like teamwork, leadership, problem solving, adaptability and communication – all highly valued by employers.

Yet this type of learning often goes unrecognised in recruitment.

This report aims to:

  • Highlight the educational value of youth work and its role in preparing young people for the world of work

  • Show how transversal skills developed through non-formal education match the needs of employers

  • Offer insights for employers, policymakers and youth organisations on how to better value and support these learning experiences

Whether you’re an employer, HR professional, educator, or policymaker, this report is a valuable resource for understanding how youth work can contribute to more inclusive and skills-focused hiring practices.

We’ve also created a simple infographic for employers that highlights the key takeaways from the report at a glance – perfect for sharing with your team or network.