RPL Initiatives from Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC)

LSSC facilitates the development of skilled human resources for meeting the industry needs in segments like footwear, fashion and more. LSSC collaborates with NSDC, government bodies, CLE and a host of training partners, assessment agencies and academic institutions to ensure industry-relevant training and sustainable employment in the leather sector. LSSC has been implementing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) projects in different locations in India to recognize informal learning in the leather industry*. Let’s get to know about some of them.

The main objective of LSSC is to address the training and employment needs of various sub-sectors in the leather industry such as Finished Leather, Footwear, Garments, Leather Goods, Accessories, Saddlery and Harness sectors.

Some key goals of LSSC

Skilling and facilitating employment in urban and rural areas
Link training with productivity enhancement and quality outcomes
Ensure capacity building for SMEs with NSQF certified workforce
Enable sustainable livelihoods through employment and entrepreneurship

RPL under PMKVY is the most effective means of recognizing the existing knowledge, skills and experience of the existing workforce in the leather sector. Here are some recent achievements in RPL*:

Total Numbers Sanctioned – 32,000
Total Enrolment till date – 27,652
Total Training Completed till date – 27,137
Total States Covered – 10 States

Benefits of RPL for the Candidates and the Industry

Through RPL assessment and certification, the candidates will be able to align existing competencies with NSQF for better career and higher education opportunities. RPL also helps them explore different options in skilling and upskilling to bridge the knowledge and skill gaps.
By getting the workforce certified under RPL, the industry gets Recognition for informal workforce by mapping their skill levels with QPs- NOS for higher productivity and quality

How the employers and candidates have benefitted from RPL training and certification:

Employer testimonial

Naresh, MD, Aysha Shoes

“RPL training is very effective in upgrading the efficiency of employees. This kind of training must be continued to give a boost to the employees to make them energetic.”

K. V. S. Kailasavasan, M.D, Haritha Leather Fabrics

“RPL training makes workforce committed, motivated and to encourage overall growth of workforce.”

Harish Chandra Choudhary, M.D, Jagan Shoes

“RPL is an innovative policy by the Ministry of Skill Development that without having much interference or disturbance upskills the workforce to bring maximum output.”

The candidates who have undergone RPL training and certification take pride in getting formally recognized in skills that were picked up over the years. They also acknowledged that they got a chance to learn something new post-RPL and their prospects have improved for employment and better salaries.