As per research and observations, 2021 is going to be the year of many positive changes in the skills and education sector in India. We’ve put together top 10 trends that are redefining the big picture through technology disruption, convergence and outcome-based initiatives.
Top 10 trends redefining the big picture of skills and education in 2021
- Mainstream education and skills coming closer: The implementation of National Education Policy 2020 will create many opportunities to bring skill-based learning, vocational education and mainstream education closer. Mostly, from the school level, we will see launch of vocational courses that will expose he students to the world of work and introduce them to many options to follow their interests.
- Social security code 2020: Social security for gig workers, platform workers who come under the informal sector will be covered under the social security code 2020. With mandatory contribution from the aggregators, many gig worker would be ensured of social security even if they take up jobs in different locations.
- Demand-driven skilling for short term courses: With decentralisation and District Skill Committees being set up and many other initiatives under SANKALP scheme we may see focus on local economy and skills that are needed for local jobs and promote local industry.
- Latest technology skills: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Data Science are gaining popularity in many industries, creating a demand for skilled professionals. Not just limited to IT or large enterprises, the need for skills is equally applicable to MSMEs and will require upskilling and reskilling.
- Entrepreneurship: The need to promote job -creation and attract youth to become entrepreneurs has been integral to skill development. There is a prominent trend to expose youth to opportunities in the rural sector and solve problems through innovative methods and latest technologies
- New branding and communication: Skilling, vocational training and education will see the need to re-brand as an aspirational option to enter the world of work or pursue entrepreneurial dreams. This will be in sync with emerging influence of technology, changing social norms and many other aspects of impacting youth from all strata of society.
- Gig economy is going to be big: With outcome-based gig work becoming more popular post-Covid 19, gig jobs will need to align with necessary skills, technology, tools and a strong support system. This calls for educating various stakeholders, including parents of youth who enter the gig economy.
- Apprenticeships: NAPS and other schemes will need aggressive promotion as industry, especially the MSMEs who will engage them as future workforce. HR personnel will play an important role in championing apprenticeships across various industry sectors.
- Transferable skills: Employability skills or transferable skills are much-needed and this will get more focus since the workplace is fast changing.
- Adoption of blended learning: With online learning emerging as the best option to continue education and training, post-Covid-19, the need for blended learning models will get stronger. While this creates many opportunities to offer innovative courses, the need to equip learners with right devices and internet connectivity is equally important.
