AISECT and SGSU lead the way in work-integrated learning through Kaushal Charcha on WYSD 2024

Innovation, inspiration and igniting young minds through skills for emerging career options – this is how AISECT and Scope Global Skills University (SGSU) have re-dedicated their efforts to skill education on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) 2024. Continuing the tradition of hosting ‘Kaushal Charcha’, a platform to explore and engage with key stakeholders in the skilling ecosystem, this edition focused on ‘Youth Skills for Peace and Development’, international theme for WYSD 2024. Thus setting new benchmarks for work-integrated learning models and work-integrated learning programs (WILP).

Key Highlights from Kaushal Charcha

The discussion during the five-day event, held from July 15 to July 19, 2024, saw active participation from industry experts, educational leaders and senior bureaucrats exploring various aspects of work-integrated learning through skill-based programs.

The first day of the event showcased how AISECT and SGSU plan to strengthen their connection with the industry and recognize the contribution of all those who make a difference in the lives of youth.

Key highlights included:

• The inauguration of Automotive Lab Center of Excellence (CoE) in partnership with Hyundai
  
• Launch of AEDP with SSCs such as ASDC, MEPSC, LSSSDC, CGSSC, BFSI
• Launch of PMKK coffee table book
• Launch of MP Skill Gap Analysis Report, the launch of CITSD
• Announcement of the third edition of AISECT Kaushal Championship

The event also celebrated the achievements of educators and industry professionals, with awards and placement offer letters presented to deserving students and contributors.

Future skills for dynamic world of work

One of the significant panel discussions on ‘Future skills – preparing the workforce for tomorrow: Challenges and opportunities’ featured Mr. Kishore Thangavelu, CSR Head of Microsoft Philanthropies India, Dr. Charu Monga, Associate Dean of IIT Delhi, and Dr. Preeti Maheshwari, Dean of the Faculty of Future Skills at SGSU.

The panellists underscored the need for continuous skill development through upskilling and reskilling as the only way to prepare for the dynamic world of work, disrupted by emerging technologies like AI, ML and AVGC. They also shared their insights on how these technologies are getting infused into education and training, especially for particle and personalised learning.

Industry sector in focus – Tourism and Travel

The Industry Round Table was inaugurated by Shri Gautam Tetwal, MP’s Skill Development Minister (Independent Charge) focusing on the Tourism and Travel industry. The heart of Incredible India as it’s called, MP Tourism has huge potential for employment with exciting career options. This was one of the highlights of the event as a part of the Yuva Samvaad, organised in collaboration with the MP Press Club. Mr. Shiv Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, MP Tourism and Culture Department pointed out the rapid growth of Audio-Visual and Gaming sectors and emerging new high-income job opportunities.

The critical role played by the industry in skilling youth for skills in demand to meet the requirements of emerging job markets. The representatives from the industry and academia deliberated on different approaches to navigate the way towards reducing the skill gaps. Issues like enhancing youth employability, competency-based learning and interoperable pathways for vertical mobility formed the core of discussions in the Industry Round Table.

Preparing the educators with AI essentials

The potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enrich and engage learners my meeting their diverse learning needs, is yet to be explored by many educators. With AI getting integrated into various stages of learning, teachers and trainers need to be aware of the advantages of integrating AI tools to make learning highly interactive, immersive and personalized. In the process they could also automate and streamline administrative tasks, creating more time and space for focusing on core activities. The session was organized by AISECT’s Learning and Development/Corporate HR and it was conducted by Mr. Shabbir Haider, Founder of FutureLab Studio.

Also read: Skill University – Everything you wanted to know about!

Reflecting on the successful organization of Kaushal Charcha, Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Director at AISECT Group and Chancellor at SGSU, said, “The success of this year’s Kaushal Charcha underscores our strong commitment to skill development and innovation. By uniting educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, we are advancing a shared vision of equipping the next generation with essential skills for a rapidly evolving job market. Our collaborative efforts are shaping a future workforce that is both skilled and adaptable.”

The Kaushal Charcha event by AISECT and SGSU on WYSD 2024 exemplifies a concerted effort to drive skill development and work-integrated learning. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from education, industry, and government, the event highlighted the importance of continuous upskilling, the integration of emerging technologies, and the need to prepare educators and youth for the future job market. As AISECT and SGSU continue to lead in fostering skill education, their initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to building a resilient and capable workforce ready to tackle the challenges of a dynamic world of work.

By fostering innovation and collaboration, these institutions are setting a benchmark in the skilling ecosystem, ensuring that the youth are not only employable but also future-ready. The collective efforts of AISECT and SGSU are paving the way for sustainable career growth, peace, and development among the youth.