Newspapers last week wrote about the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) study on University Graduates and Employment. There was a headline that read 'Graduates hopeful CSPS study will give employment solution'. I think the work of the CSPS is very worthy and it has come up with sensible ideas like the increase in forced savings. I hope the results of the study will be of use because graduate unemployment, indeed any unemployment, is a serious and saddening issue. It is the young workless that must be of concern. Isn't the thought of idle lives and wasted time, all in the prime of life distressing?
Many would point to a small private sector as a reason for this employment dysfunction. Less private industry means less job creation. Three quarters of Brunei's population live in urban areas. Most work in government services, oil and gas, retail and construction. The public sector is by far the largest employer of our population, perhaps to the detriment to the growth of the private sector. I wonder if the survey will tell us how many choose not to work in the absence of a public sector offer?
When people are employed they gain valuable experience and skills, contribute to the economy and create wealth. A satisfying and challenging work life is good for the psyche and the self worth. But hoping for a magic solution to unemployment after graduating is also not the right way of looking at things. Students should be encouraged to develop skill sets that will be marketable at the end. A review of the courses held at our learning institutions may be of help. Consider a decrease in the number of courses that has the highest number of unemployed graduates and bring in the courses that will lead to qualifications in demand in the job market.
Perhaps the thing to avoid when considering ways to increase employment is actually to avoid expanding the public service. It is not sustainable in the long run to have more than half of the population working in the public sector. It would be better to concentrate on creating and sustaining conditions for economic growth. Brunei coming in at number 112 on the recently published Word Bank index for ease of doing business is not the way to do it.
We should disregard programs that simply try to provide aid to people without helping people learn to help themselves. One does not want to end up with a society that takes more than it gives. It is difficult to try and translate this into practical programs. How do you encourage people to be independent and not look for handouts?
At the end of the day perhaps it's all about encouraging self-reliance. The newspaper article brought to light two things. Firstly that maybe graduate unemployed should not expect that the authorities will wave a bureaucratic wand and magically make jobs appear, and secondly, have the young obtained the wrong kinds of skill sets?
Both of these issues may at least be dealt with by turning inwards and expecting more from ourselves as individuals. If an appropriate job is not available, perhaps the young should be encouraged to take up whatever position is available. Skills and experience are invaluable and any opportunity to learn new things should be embraced.
Obtaining a degree shouldn't mean the end of an education. Learning new things and gaining fresh insight doesn't hurt anyone, at any age. I believe there are fresh graduates out there who apply for clerical positions, getting a foothold and gaining their independence. It may not be ideal, but it should be valued.
@emmagoodegg
Illustration by Cuboi Art.
For the edited online version click here.
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