This article discusses the importance of soft skills for youth development, the challenges young people face in building these skills, strategies to promote soft skill development, and the unique challenges faced by young people with neurodiverse conditions in the UK.Soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, are critical to success in both personal and professional settings. Developing soft skills leads to positive outcomes, including academic achievement, career success, and overall well-being. However, young people often face challenges in developing these skills, including a lack of formal education and training and structural barriers to access. Furthermore, young people with neurodiverse conditions may face additional obstacles to acquiring soft skills.The development of soft skills can be promoted through strategies such as integrating quiet skill development into formal education and training programs, providing experiential learning opportunities, and addressing structural barriers to access. Additionally, providing tailored support and accommodations for young people with neurodiverse conditions is essential. By prioritising developing soft skills and creating inclusive environments that recognise and value diversity, we can ensure that all young people have the tools and resources needed for success.INTRODUCTIONDespite the importance of soft skills in youth development, young people often face challenges developing these skills. One of the main challenges is the lack of formal education and training opportunities that focus on developing soft skills. Many educational programs and institutions prioritise acquiring technical skills and knowledge, often neglecting the importance of soft skills (OECD, 2018). In addition, structural barriers to access, such as poverty and discrimination, can limit opportunities for young people to develop soft skills.Strategies for Promoting Soft Skill Development Among Youth There are several strategies for promoting soft skills development among young people. One approach is to integrate soft skills into formal education and training programs. This can involve incorporating soft skill development into the curriculum or offering extracurricular activities to develop soft skills.Another strategy is to provide opportunities for experiential learning, such as internships, volunteer work, or community service projects. These experiences can help young people develop and apply soft skills in real-world settings. Finally, addressing structural barriers to access, such as poverty and discrimination, is essential for promoting equitable opportunities for all young people to develop soft skills.METHODS:This article systematically reviews the literature on soft skills and youth development.The search strategy involved searching relevant databases, including PubMed, PsychINFO, and ERIC, for studies published between 2010 and 2021. The inclusion criteria included studies focusing on developing soft skills among young people aged 12-25.The search terms included “soft skills,” “youth development,” “positive youth development,” and “social-emotional learning.” Results The systematic review identified 62 studies that met the inclusion criteria.The literature review findings highlighted the importance of soft skills in promoting positive youth development, as well as the challenges and strategies for promoting their development.DISCUSSION:The literature review revealed that soft skills are critical for promoting positive youth development, as they are associated with a range of positive outcomes, including academic achievement, career success, and overall well-being. However, young people often face challenges in developing these skills, including a lack of formal education and training and structural barriers to access. Integrating soft skills into formal education and training programs is one strategy for promoting their development. This c...
