According to an estimate by OECD, India’s gross enrollment ratio in formal vocational education and training was only around 7 percent in 2013-14, and less than 10% of the youth were enrolled in any form of the job-oriented skill development program. However, according to The International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore, this percentage should have been closer to 30%. And according to a McKinsey Global Institute report, India could add $770 billion (6% of GDP) to its economy by 2025 if it closes the skill gap. So here are some ways to achieve greatness through skill development in India.
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Why skill development is important
In our fast-paced world, one must have the skills and ability to keep up with the rapid changes around them. A person’s lack of skill may hinder their progress and advancement, which might limit their overall success in life. For this reason, all people must have access to skill development opportunities. The country of India is rich with possibilities for those who wish to engage in skill development programs because of the myriad opportunities available across the vast country and its diverse society. From schools that teach traditional trades such as carpentry, tailoring, or photography to clubs or associations that offer classes in languages like Sanskrit, Hindi, or Urdu there are a variety of options.
The problem with skills in India
India has traditionally been a nation of artisans, engineers, and doctors. But the advent of economic globalization, without corresponding educational reform, has left much of its workforce unprepared for the modern marketplace. For example, there is not enough emphasis on mathematics at all levels of education. A large number of Indian engineering graduates are unable to get jobs in this field due to their lack of math skills. In response, these institutions have developed remedial classes to help these students develop those skills and then graduate with the requisite qualifications.
The importance of skill development cannot be understated in today’s world where technological innovation is happening at breakneck speed. It’s hard to imagine that just 25 years ago mobile phones were unheard of or even computers were just beginning to be used as a staple item in homes across America.
How to become a skill development champion
You can become a champion of skill development by starting small and getting involved with your local community. If you are passionate about skill, there is no time like the present to take action
-Donate to a reputable cause
-Volunteer your time -Find a group to help with skills -Start a company that works on improving skills for others -Work with people who share your passion
Reasons skill development is essential for growth
1. One of the major challenges faced by developing countries, such as India, is that labor forces are mainly concentrated in a few specific industries and there are significant differences between rural and urban areas. With this insight, it becomes important to develop skills in these underserved sectors, so that people can not only be competitive domestically but also be attractive global partners for international companies.
2. The second reason to emphasize skill development is that different regions require skills specific to their local needs. For example, Kerala requires infrastructure-related skills while UP requires manufacturing-related skills.
3. A third reason is that because workforce participation rates have been increasing over time, there will be more opportunities for employers to offer jobs.
4. And finally, one of the biggest reasons why India should focus on skill development right now is because many graduates have been unemployed or underemployed due to insufficient formal education or job training
Collaboration and partnerships are key elements of success
Skill development is a hugely important part of a robust national development agenda. Since their skills help determine the quality of their lives, it is not just important but imperative for the Government to focus on education and skill development. It is even more so when it comes to bridging the gender divide as well as widening socio-economic disparities between various communities. Skill India offers two basic models of skill delivery viz., the government led and industry-led one, addressing six central themes identified as essential to tackle present and future skills demand;
- building skilling capacity through collaboration,
- sectoral & functional priorities,
- skilling around the learner’s needs & aspirations and aspirations,
- skilling up women learners with a special focus on disadvantaged girls and adolescent girls who are out of school or non-regularly attending schools),
- an enabling environment for scaling up
The government can do more than they currently are doing
India’s government needs to do more to ensure that all Indian citizens are allowed to develop their skills and talents. The country has huge potential, but without some effort put into encouraging progress, it won’t be realized. For example, many children don’t have a chance to go to school because they need to work at home or support their families. If they were allowed time for education, this would greatly improve the future of India as a whole.
Missions exist that work with low-income communities such as The World Vision’s Apprenticeship program which trains young people who have been displaced by natural disasters or conflict so they can rebuild their lives through employment. These programs need financial support and governmental cooperation if they want to succeed.