Many young people do not apply for opportunities because they believe they do not meet all the requirements. They focus too much on what they lack instead of the potential they have. The truth is that nobody meets every requirement perfectly. Organisations know this. They are not looking for flawless candidates. They are looking for young people who show effort, willingness and the ability to grow.

Confidence is not the absence of fear. It is the decision to act despite fear. When you apply even when you feel underqualified, you open yourself to possibilities that could transform your future. You also gain experience in writing applications, attending interviews and learning what employers want.

YouThryve Development teaches youth how to identify transferable skills.

These are skills you already have from school, volunteering, home responsibilities, community work, online learning or part time jobs. Transferable skills include communication, teamwork, problem solving, leadership and time management. These skills matter just as much as qualifications.

When you read requirements, focus on the core elements. Ask yourself what the organisation truly needs from a successful candidate. Most opportunities want commitment, punctuality, willingness to learn and basic communication. If you have these, you can apply with confidence.

Opportunity Access encourages youth to apply bravely. A missed opportunity is guaranteed failure. An attempted opportunity is potential success. Many young people who believed they were underqualified ended up being selected because they took the chance. When youth learn to apply boldly, they step into a future filled with opportunities they never imagined possible.