Bridging the skills gap through targeted initiatives can not only enhance employability but also drive economic growth and social stability

Few would believe that 26-year-old Kevin Dahima - a young, successful entrepreneur from coastal Gujarat - was once unemployed. Today he himself employs his thriving niche.  Kickstarting his business in 2021 and providing a 24-hour service, Kelvin brings home over Rs. 55,000 per month. Having trained as a Hospital Assistant.

It all began at a hospital where he saw patients discharged, but still in need of various forms of care - elderly patients who require dressings; ex-ICU patients who need oxygen daily; and cancer and post-surgery patients – what if he could provide nursing care to them, from the comfort of their own homes? Not only is he being productive in life, but

he is helping people in their hour of need, whilst building something for the future.  And his journey to success all began when he signed up for skill training.

One doesn’t have to look too far to see the social impact of high levels of youth unemployment. In South Africa, where youth unemployment has hit a high of 59.7%, unemployment is considered to be the root cause of many problems the country faces today - including crime, poverty and suicide.

Closer to home, the epidemic of drug use in Punjab has been fuelled by social and economic factors including high unemployment, and underemployment; and pressing national issues like youth suicide are compounded by youth unemployment. Never has it been more important for our young people to have opportunities for bright and productive futures.

Around the world, youth unemployment and underemployment are significant problems in many societies, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and frustration – which can often fuel social unrest. Over the next decade, the World Bank estimates one billion young people will try to enter the job market, but less than half of them will find formal jobs. This will leave the majority of young people, many in minority and marginalized groups, unemployed or experiencing working poverty.

With the largest youth population in the world (with 66% of the total population under the age of 35), and the latest data from CMIE (a think tank) claiming youth unemployment could be as high as 45.5% - among the highest in the world - it is important that India takes note here.

There is a lot we can do to ensure we take a preventive approach to these issues to secure productive futures for our many young people.In a country with a gaping skills gap, this presents a major opportunity – to invest in skills collaboratively to meet the needs of both youth and industry. According to recent studies, India’s employable population is far too low to meet the demands of the skilled labour market.

Two-thirds of the country’s workforce aren’t qualified for current job openings. With such a shortage of qualified workers, businesses are struggling to fill positions creating a significant challenge. It’s not just the quantity of skilled labour that’s lacking. The quality of available talent is also wanting. Recent research shows that only 33% of workers in India possess the skills employers seek most. The need of the hour to tackle issues at both ends of the spectrum lies in skill training.

Whilst the India Skills Mission abandoned its goal of training 500 million youth by 2022, there is still a clear need for corporates, skill training providers and civil society to step into the breach.

Rural youth, in particular, need greater access to quality skill training providers who also support placement, whilst also requiring help to convince families that skills are indeed the way to go – a route often in conflict with the white-collar aspirations of both youth and their families. Sadly, half of all graduates in India are unemployable due to a lack of industry-relevant skills.The world faces a multitude of challenges today, many of which affect our youth. Conflicts that disrupt education and stability, a polarized online environment that fosters negativity, and economic inequality that limits opportunities. These issues threaten not only individual futures but the overall stability of communities. It is therefore crucial to equip youth with the necessary skills to become productive citizens and create a more sustainable future for all.

(The writer is CEO, of Ambuja Foundation; views are personal)