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The research paper delineates the contemporary imperative for soft skills, innovation, and complex problem-solving abilities in response to the evolving demands of industry. Acknowledging a paradigm shift in recruitment strategies, organizations are increasingly considering individuals lacking traditional experience but exhibiting adaptability to the digital era (Tsou & Chen, 2023). Notably, there is a growing recognition of the need to provide opportunities to youth from diverse backgrounds, who lack conventional educational pathways and are eager to acquire new skills to enhance organizational processes (Widodo, 2023).
The introduction contextualizes this evolving landscape within the framework of industrial revolutions, highlighting their transformative impact on job roles and global industry operations. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) emerged as a key driver, characterized by technological integration that has the potential to displace traditional jobs, particularly in developing countries (Chen, 2017). The advent of 4IR introduces a digital transformation era through partial automation, leveraging memory-programmable controls and computer technologies to streamline production processes, diminishing human intervention (Robertsone & Lapiņa, 2023).
The integration of innovative technologies has significantly altered organizational operations, prompting a reshaping of work ethics among employees (Robertsone & Lapiņa, 2023). Organizations respond by incorporating digital infrastructure to enhance speed, reliability, and business efficiency. The paper asserts that 4IR represents a substantial leap forward, marked not only by incremental improvements but by innovative technologies emerging from the concept (Robertsone & Lapiņa, 2023; Mayer & Oosthuizen, 2020; Chen, 2017). The transformative nature of 4IR sets new expectations for employees, demanding expertise in diverse job specifications aligned with modern technologies such as the Internet of Things, robotics, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning (Bakhshalipour et al., 2019).
This seismic shift brought about by 4IR introduces disruptive technologies and trends, necessitating technical skills training and upskilling in information and communication technology (ICT) to address high unemployment rates, particularly in underserved communities (Palmer et al., 2018). The study identifies South African youth as a demographic requiring targeted skill development interventions to enhance employability, emphasizing the need to reach the potential of young individuals through skill development (Dadzie et al., 2020). The role of educational systems is crucial, requiring graduates equipped with skills demanded by the job market, provided through internships, vocational jobs, and placements in various sectors (Yaya et al., 2021; Markova, 2017).
Additionally, the paper emphasizes the role of governments in addressing ICT technical skills gaps by establishing digital training centers at the grassroots level, executing youth development programs, and fostering future economic prospects (Yaya et al., 2021). The research problem centers around the challenges faced by South African youth in the rapidly evolving world of work, marked by technological advancements, automation, and shifting industries. The primary research question explores the factors contributing to youth unemployment in underserved communities, particularly examining how changes may impact technical skills and opportunities.