GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

The rise of the online economy has undoubtedly reshaped the landscape of employment, and its impact on youth job creation is particularly noteworthy. The study was sort to assess the extent of secondary school students training in online business by the school administration as a panacea for employment creation. The study revealed that online businesses have increasingly helped youth find work. Digital professional platforms have provided youth with a more effective way to find work, especially marginalized and first-time job seekers. The types of online businesses engaged by youths were identified in the study to be e-commerce stores and drop shipping, content creation and influencer marketing, freelancing services, affiliate marketing, app development and software creation, online courses, and digital education. The challenges faced by youths in online businesses were revealed to be a lack of reliable internet infrastructure, financial constraints, and payment issues: financial, e-commerce logistics and distribution challenges, and poor power supply. On this basis, the study concluded that adolescents' active participation in online businesses in Imo State exhibits a promising correlation with employment creation. The digital landscape has provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to harness diverse opportunities, fostering economic growth and individual empowerment. One of the recommendations made was that comprehensive educational programs should be implemented in schools to enhance digital literacy and educate adolescents about the opportunities and risks associated with online businesses. This can empower them to make informed decisions and navigate the digital landscape responsibly.