Tuesday 15 July is World Youth Skills Day, an international celebration recognising the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need for employment, meaningful work, and active citizenship.

Here in our archdiocese, we see the development of these skills lived out each summer on our Lourdes Youth Pilgrimage. Every year, the pilgrimage has brought together hundreds of young people in service, faith, and community. Through their time in Lourdes, they grow in resilience, responsibility, and confidence—skills that go far beyond the week itself.

From helping assisted pilgrims to forming lasting friendships, taking on new challenges and building independence, the experience of Lourdes offers young people a real and lasting opportunity for growth.

Jack Adamson will be heading to Lourdes next week as a member of Coach 5. He said: “This will be my fifth time visiting Lourdes. I’ve learned a lot of valuable skills there, like effective communication, teamwork, and how to have fun while staying productive and professional.

“These skills have been super helpful in university, where I can maintain a professional demeanour but still enjoy my studies. I also use my teamwork skills in my part-time jobs, where I collaborate with others in my local parish.”

Furthermore, as an archdiocese, we are proud to support work experience opportunities, particularly at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre(SMCC). With a wide range of departments and roles, young people can explore professional life in a welcoming, faith-filled environment.

Sadie Ball, who recently completed a placement at SMCC, said: “My work experience in an office environment has not only given me valuable insight into professional life but also helped me develop key skills, such as communication and teamwork, which I will carry forward into my future career.”

This World Youth Skills Day, we give thanks for the gifts and talents of the young people in our archdiocese. Whether on pilgrimage, at work, or in school, they are constantly growing into the people God calls them to be—faithful, capable, and ready to step out into the world.