WAYS TO CREATE SKILLED WORKFORCE FOR STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Even though it is said that ‘a pen is mightier than a sword’ or that ‘education is the most powerful weapon one can use to change the world’, the ultimate truth lies in the fact that indeed only a certain section of the society has been entitled to the wonders of education.
Still a large population of this country lags behind in terms of education, mainly due to poverty, lack of awareness and sometimes, social stigma. According to government figures, fewer than 5% of India’s 487 million workers have received any formal skills or training. One of the scientifically proven ways to boost the development of a nation is to convert this section of population into a skilled workforce. A skilled workforce not only enhances the output of various industries but also the overall economic growth of the country.
One of the ways to create such a skilled workforce is through the initiatives taken by the government, non-governmental organizations and other groups willing to volunteer. ‘Skill Camps’ can be organized in various regions across the country in the fields of agriculture, fishery, pottery, handicrafts, weaving, construction etc. keeping in mind the culture and prior occupation of the people. This will not only help them revive that particular trade but also increase their earnings. Since a lot of people are still skeptical of joining such ventures, they can be encouraged to join these by giving them general awareness about these projects and including incentives and midday meals to it. Also, the initial materials for the program can be funded to remove the cost burden on the people. The classes and seminars should be taken in local and regional languages to ensure maximum participation. They should bring forth practical solution to earn livelihood and teach skills that are worth the time and effort of the masses.
Also, a large number of people with similar skills may not be required by the industries. In such cases, self-working communities should be created in which people with similar skills work together, make products and sell them, creating a self-sustaining community. These communities should be given authenticity certificates for the genuineness of their work and each member enrolled in such programs should be given ‘Skill Identification cards’ which give proof of their level of skill, allowing them a better chance of employment in future. With time they should also be given a chance to evolve and advance their skill as well.
Even in the circle of educated people, it is found that lack of required skill for their respective industries have paved way to lesser output than expected. A skilled workforce in the educated section is also required.
It is well understood that education is the path to success. However, to reach the destination one requires dedication and skill. One should know how to utilize the knowledge gained in schools and colleges and apply them practically. The young students who are recently graduated should be trained in various aspects of the field in which they will be working in the future. Educational institutes, especially professional colleges should give the students chances to join various courses apart from academics which will not only boost their professional skills but also give them complete holistic development by focusing on other attributes like team management, leadership, communication and personality development.
Eugene Scalia, former United States Secretary of Labour, says:
“Apprenticeship is a proven model for developing a skilled workforce.”
To give a hands-on experience of the competitive nature of the world they are going to experience, students should be given internships to familiarize themselves with their future workplace.
Industrial visits, skill development seminars and elective courses based on them which guarantee valuable certificates motivate students to develop their skill. Also, scholarships can be given to those who would like to upskill themselves but have financial constraints.
Among those who have already entered their work places, skills are naturally developed over time. However, this is a time-consuming process and reduces the output significantly. For overcoming such a situation, companies should keep their skill requirements in the minimum employment criteria. The companies should themselves take initiative to create their own competent workforce by carrying out various programs once in a while. They can organize events to display the skills of their employees, giving them recognition for it. Also, the criteria for promotions should not only depend on the number of years of work but also the qualification of the employee. Even in government jobs, a minimum criteria list of skill required should be designed.
As per the Human Development Report (HDR) published in 2020 — “only one in five Indians can be called ‘skilled’. This has given India a rank at 129 among its 162 peer countries this data is available for. Japan tops this list with majority of its people falling under the skilled category.” One of the major reasons for Japan to succeed as per the Harvard Business Review is the fact that while most of the training in other countries is promotion-focused, their training is performance-focused where the Japanese employee is trained for handling the overall work apart from the basics required in the workplace.
The concept of a competent, skilled workforce has been a topic of discussion for both the developed and developing countries and hence, ‘A Skilled Workforce for Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Growth’ had been a major talk in the G-20 Summit of 2010, even issuing a G-20 training strategy by the International Labour Office.
The Government of India has taken some initiatives for skill enhancement like ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana’ and ‘Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion’ (SANKALP). M. M. Pallam Raju, former Union Minister for Human Resources Development, says:
“Developing skills is as important as training. A larger effort is needed to create a skilled workforce with employment potential.”
A skilled workforce is the backbone of a country’s economy. They not only increase the country’s output in the global market but also improve their own living standards. The backwardness of any society can be overturned. Hence, we should create a skilled workforce for strong and sustainable growth of our country.
Amira Skye