The practice of imparting knowledge has been confined to the four walls of a classroom. There is no denying the fact that an opportune classroom environment forms the crux of any education system. However, it is imperative that learning is not held captive within the pages of a textbook; rather it should be embedded with development of skill sets through training and experience. There has been a paradigm shift in the functioning of the global work environment which is laced with technological innovation. This has led to a clamour among business firms for inducting an employable workforce adept in handling anticipated future challenges, globalisation, complexity and sustainability.
Theoretical knowledge along with practical training is a vital strategic necessity. Experiential learning is far more effective than mere learning of theories and principles as students instill competencies required to confront unfamiliar conditions and tasks in a real-world setting. This provides them with the opportunity to reflect upon the knowledge gained in classrooms and apply the same in the real workplace context. Through simulation, students learn to master the skills and concepts by actually performing tasks that help them to analyse processes in a better way. The various constraints and problems faced on the job can be better understood on the shop-floor than in the comfort of a classroom. This prepares aspirants to mitigate challenges they might face in future.
According to the data of the 68th Round of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), it has been estimated that only 4.69 per cent of India’s total workforce has undertaken formal skill training, as compared with 52 per cent in the US, 68 per cent in the UK and 80 per cent in Japan. These numbers are testament to the fact that Japan has captivated the imagination of the world through its technological advancement. Also, as per the data of Census 2011 and NSSO, it has been estimated that there will be an influx of 104 million fresh entrants to the workforce by 2022 that will require skill training. Today, India is at the cusp of a higher growth trajectory, enjoying the competitive advantage attained due to its demographic dividend. This humungous potential of India’s youth needs to be tapped into and channelised through employment enhancing technical skill development.
The onus of executing this herculean task of technical skill development lies in the hands of the Government, universities and private companies. Having a public-private partnership can be paramount in the implementation of vocational education and training. It will also be of significance if industry recruits maximum students as interns and trainees. This shall provide a platform to young minds for bringing about technological innovation and provide a breeding ground for budding entrepreneurs. The synergetic growth in vocational education and training can provide the impetus required for escalating the productivity and economic growth.
The writer is Sarika lidoria, director, online,ITM University