Challenges Beyond Schooling: Innovative Models for Youth Skills Development in India

Abstract

The major drivers of skill demand are economic growth, expansion of primary and secondary education, urbanization, demographic changes and global competitiveness. These call for higher-order competences and employability skills that can use new technologies and perform complex tasks efficiently. India is one of the youngest nations in the world, with more than 54% of the total population below 25 years of age. The current annual skilling capacity in India is unable to match the skill demand, with many initiatives unaligned and suffering from lack of coordination. Key obstacles include the negative image and low aspirational value of vocational education, as well as a lack of effort to integrate VET with general education. With the current and expected economic growth, these challenges will increase, since more than 75% of new job opportunities are expected to be ‘skill-based’. The paper discusses the steps taken by the government to improve the articulation of vocational education with higher education, thus changing the ‘dead end’ image of vocational education. The transition from school to work is the main policy focus, especially in relation to the VET reforms. A radical change is taking place under the National Skills Qualification Framework. It will encourage private sector participation in skill development and provide skill development opportunities to youth, allowing a smooth transition to the world of work. Innovative models and schemes to meet the needs of the youth for twenty-first-century skills are also discussed.