It is often (wrongly) assumed that we cannot acquire a skill once we pass a certain age threshold. But the beauty of the human mind is that it is never too old to learn, unlearn and relearn. In fact, our civilization has survived millions of years because of its ability to adapt and evolve. It is the same mantra which will enable us not just to survive but thrive in the rapidly changing world.
Learning agility is essential not just for individual development but also for the socio-economic progress of our nation. The ability to change and proactively acquire skills will be critical for India’s workforce to find its place in the new world’s economy. To unlearn old rules and relearn new ones, our working populace should challenge old paradigms and relearn the new rules of their jobs and industry.
Workforce Employability Has Been a Perennial Challenge Faced by India.
- Data shows that more than 30 lakh graduates join the Indian job market every year, but only about 5 lakh are considered employable.
- 39% of employers in the country state that finding and hiring quality talent is one of the biggest challenges faced by them.
- The gap needs to be addressed on a war-footing basis as India’s working-age and student population is estimated to grow beyond 60 crores in the next few of years.
In the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector alone, the government estimates a requirement of 44 lakh professionals by 2022.
And so, it was only appropriate that on the occasion of the World Youth Skill Day earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged our country’s youth to skill, reskill and upskill to remain relevant in the changing business environment. In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister said, “The mantra to remain relevant is – skill, reskill and up-skill. Skill – Learn a new skill and value add to things. Re-skill – Add to your skill every day by learning something new. Up-skill – Widening your skillset is upskilling yourself.”
The skill-reskill-upskill strategy is essential to bridge the gaps in the employability of our country’s workforce. It will play a vital role in fulfilling our aspiration to become a superpower by 2025. The government’s Skill India mission is playing a significant role in accomplishing this goal. Its main objective is to provide adequate training in market-relevant skills to over 40 crore youth by 2022. Since its launch about five years back, the programme has created a vast infrastructure in skilling, reskilling and upskilling. It is enabling participants to access employment opportunities, both locally and globally.
COVID-19 has added to the necessity of India’s workforce to skill itself more rapidly. With the advent in remote working over the last few months, employers are no longer restricted by the barriers of geography to source talent – they can work efficiently with anyone, anywhere by deploying the power of technology. This advent increases the competition manifold. At the same time, it opens up opportunities for India’s workforce in remote areas to be a part of the global movement.
I would conclude this blog with the words of the futurist and philosopher Alvin Toffler once wrote: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” Let us pledge to never stop learning not just for our benefit but for the prosperity of our nation.
