As India seeks to build a globally competitive workforce, the focus on skills, employability, and lifelong learning has never been more important. Institutions such as World Skill Center, Bhubaneswar are demonstrating how industry-aligned training, innovation, and strong ecosystem partnerships can transform career opportunities for young people.
In this interview, Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder and CEO of National Skills Network, speaks with Mr. Rashmir Ranjan Mohapatra, CEO of World Skill Center, Bhubaneswar, about the Centre’s vision, industry partnerships, the future of skills in the age of AI, changing societal perceptions of vocational education, and the growing importance of continuous learning and upskilling.
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full video on our YouTube channel.
Q. Could you briefly share the World Skill Center’s current focus and your vision for its future?
A. World Skill Center was established with a clear vision: to improve employability and make skills aspirational.
Initially designed as a finishing school for ITI and Polytechnic graduates, the Centre focused on bridging the gap between education and employment. Over time, it has evolved into a benchmark for industry-aligned skilling, attracting not only vocational students but also engineering graduates seeking job-ready skills.
Today, the Centre records a 98% placement rate for ITI and Polytechnic learners. The growing interest from B.Tech graduates highlights both the Centre’s credibility and the increasing demand for practical, industry-relevant training.
Looking ahead, World Skill Center plans to expand its reach through new centres in Sambalpur and Berhampur, supported by a ₹1,500 crore investment. With industry-driven curricula, emerging technologies, and a commitment to continuous innovation, the Centre aims to stay ahead of changing workforce demands. As we often say, “We must obsolete ourselves before someone else does.”
Q. Is World Skill Center open to students from other states?
A. While World Skill Center was established with a strong focus on improving employability and livelihoods in Odisha, its impact is increasingly extending beyond the state.
Key highlights include:
- Admissions are open to students from across India
- Training is heavily subsidized through government support
- Girls and students from reserved categories receive training free of cost
- More than 250 students have secured international placements
- The Centre trains ITI instructors from states such as Bihar and Uttarakhand
- It is supporting states like Tripura in developing similar skilling ecosystems
- Several other states are exploring collaboration and replication opportunities
Beyond serving learners, the Centre is increasingly contributing to the development of India’s broader skilling ecosystem through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and institutional partnerships.
Q. How can industry partnerships be scaled beyond World Skill Center to strengthen skilling across India?
A. Industry collaboration succeeds when it creates value for all stakeholders. At World Skill Center, industry experts actively contribute to curriculum design, ensuring training remains aligned with current and future workforce requirements. Significant investments in world-class infrastructure have also helped build confidence among industry partners and encouraged deeper engagement.
Another key differentiator is the Centre’s emphasis on industry immersion for trainers. Rather than limiting interaction to visits and consultations, trainers spend time working directly in industry environments to understand emerging technologies, workplace expectations, and future skill requirements. The principle is simple: create value first. When industry recognizes quality, relevance, and impact, meaningful partnerships follow naturally.
Q. Can aspirational skilling environments help change society’s perception of vocational education?
A. The challenge facing vocational education is social acceptance. Despite securing jobs and earning well, many skilled professionals continue to face a perception gap when compared with degree holders. This often leads individuals to pursue additional qualifications for social validation rather than genuine career advancement.
Several factors need to change:
- Skills must be valued on par with academic credentials
- Capability should matter more than certificates
- Continuous upskilling and reskilling must become the norm
- Skilled professionals deserve the same recognition as academic achievers
- Career mobility should be driven by competence rather than credentials alone
World Skill Center seeks to address this challenge by promoting capability-based learning and encouraging a culture where excellence in skills is celebrated and respected.
Q. Do school-level skill education initiatives help improve the perception of vocational skills?
A. Introducing skills at the school level can play an important role in preparing young people for a rapidly changing world. As technology cycles become shorter and workplace requirements continue to evolve, adaptability and resilience are becoming essential attributes for future success.
Some important shifts shaping the future workforce include:
- Greater emphasis on cognitive, analytical, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Increased need for adaptability and resilience
- Continuous reskilling and upskilling becoming career necessities
- AI and robotics creating opportunities for higher-value work
- Lifelong learning emerging as a key driver of employability
When learners are exposed to skills early, they are better prepared to embrace change, develop future-ready capabilities, and view learning as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
Also read: Why Students Still Discover Technical Education Too Late in Schools
Q. How can we help people see skills as future-proof careers in the age of AI?
A. The conversation should not focus on identifying one “future-proof” skill. Instead, it should focus on developing a future-ready mindset.
That mindset includes:
- Putting skills before degrees
- Embracing continuous learning
- Staying adaptable as technology evolves
- Using AI and emerging technologies as productivity tools
- Remaining committed to lifelong upskilling
Those who continuously learn and adapt will remain relevant, competitive, and better positioned to take advantage of future opportunities.
Q. What message would you like to share with young people, especially women, about skilling and career opportunities?
A. One of the biggest opportunities lies in helping young people; particularly women pursuing conventional degree programs, discover the possibilities available through skills.
Many students possess strong cognitive abilities but are often unaware of emerging career pathways that exist beyond traditional employment options.
Areas with significant potential include:
- Industry 4.0 technologies
- Cybersecurity
- Digital technologies
- Advanced manufacturing
- Digital animation and creative industries
- Emerging technology-driven occupations
Skilling today extends far beyond traditional trades and offers access to a wide range of future-oriented careers.
The goal is not simply to provide training, but to help young people build confidence, broaden their aspirations, and develop a vision for their future. Creating that sense of ambition and possibility is often the first step towards meaningful career success.
