‘It has become more important for the schools to adopt career development programmes’

India, our motherland, is the land of diverse cultures and opportunities and it also houses the world’s largest adolescent and youth population. According to the UNFPA, India will continue to have one of the youngest populations in the world in 2030. Therefore, the ever so rampant need to reduce the gaps in our education to enable sufficiency and career opportunities to this vital group. The education system in India attempts to rise to the needs of this pulsating group that is the sustainable force of the nation in its larger perspective.

The compulsive need to have strong resumes before entering a university is a new phenomena the millennials are drawn to. In a digital world, where the students have come to realize that sky is not the only limit, it has become all the more important for the schools to adopt career development programs and skill education/building centres of excellence, thus bridging the gaps between education and employment.

It is vital that the students know how to practically apply what is being taught and learn over and beyond what has been prescribed in the school curriculum.

According to a recent report, while millions of students graduate, only 20% of them are employable by industries. Conferences were held to assess how to ensure that the rising industry demands for employable youth can be met.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology thereafter published an article addressing this challenge by suggesting that schools should institute training programmes and partner with industry professionals who could guide the future aspirations of the children. Furthermore, introductory courses introducing popular skill sets, apprenticeship opportunities, and credentialing need to be accessible to all high school students. Many educational experts have come to agree that it is important to hone the innate skills of the students, motivate them to think beyond the conventional to be able to meet the growing demands of the industry.

Skill development is deliberated as one of the critical facets for creation of employment opportunities in India. However, the multiple barriers for establishment of successful skill-based education platforms such as the rigidity in the processes of admission, poor quality of training, the lack of proper infrastructure and financial constraints need to be effectively addressed to pave the way to accelerate its growth regime.

Students often need to cross the geographical and regional barriers for access to training programs. Accessibility to the rural poor and the vulnerable underprivileged groups of the rural set-ups through greater and equitable integration into the existing institutions, structures and facilities could significantly expand training provisions. Innovative and special mechanisms such as mobile training units, extension schemes and in-plant training would enhance the level of accessibility.

There exists limitless opportunities in every industry.

A determined mind and a strong will opens the lock to endless possibilities. Therefore the need to choose the right training programmes that will harness the talents and prowess. Specific training programs and pilot support schemes identify and promote training in non-traditional fields.

The personal development and life skills training modules and literacy training are specifically designed for the economic empowerment of the vulnerable groups. Specialised trainers with relevant backgrounds and familiarity with both the formal and informal sector could play a pivotal role in integrating business, self-employment and entrepreneurial concepts. With the entrepreneurial wave washing over the country, the well mentored youth equipped with the right tools and skill set, will carve the next success story!

K. Sudha, principal, St. Martin’s Diocesan School, Delhi Cantt. Views expressed are personal.