Why should schools provide skills education?
India is home to one-fifth of the global youth population and to take advantage of the demographic dividend, it is important for the country to prepare the youth for the jobs available in the market. This is not easy as the work landscape is changing rapidly. New global trends such as automation, climate change and digitalization have emerged. The World Bank study said introducing skills education early on and as part of the school curriculum would help. Globally, skill education is the core of a successful school system. This is especially true in countries like the United States and South Korea.
What are the benefits of skills education?
A well-integrated skills education into the mainstream school curriculum provides many socio-economic benefits. This creates awareness about the careers available and, as a result, reduces drop-outs. The report states that most students drop out of school because they do not consider regular academic subjects valuable to their careers. Skills education enhances the relevance of secondary education besides promoting female participation in the workforce. A major economic benefit is the high availability of skilled labour.
This corrects the perception that vocational education is for weaker students – a major hurdle.
What is the current scenario?
Only 8% of government and government-aided schools provide skill education. The government aims to make it 100% by 2030. In Maharashtra, the largest contributor to India’s economy, only 1.3% of schools offer skills education. Among the states surveyed for the analysis, Himachal Pradesh has the highest number at 27%.
Where are the jobs for skilled youth?
For skill educated people, the sectors that offer the most employment potential are crop production, dairy and livestock, tourism and hospitality, retail, financial services, repairs (auto and electronics), digital design and marketing and knowledge process outsourcing/business. Process outsourcing, software and hardware servicing. Sectors where employment potential is low are mining and quarrying; Rubber, Chemicals and Petrochemicals; Transportation, logistics and storage, domestic work, sanitation and health.
What else needs to be done?
There is a need to expand access to skill education. The vocational subjects offered should be tailored to the needs of the local economy. Apart from technical skills, the program should also focus on soft skills that enhance employability. Infrastructure needs to be created and qualified teachers with industrial training need to be appointed. There is a need to develop a deeper partnership with the industry and most importantly, efforts should be made to change the perception that skills training is for vulnerable students.