Skills for Youth: Building Sustainable Careers

In today’s fast-evolving world, equipping our youth with the right skills is crucial for fostering sustainable careers. As we navigate through the complexities of the 21st-century job market, it becomes imperative to focus on a comprehensive skill set that goes beyond technical expertise. A holistic approach to skill development should be emphasized to ensure that the youth are prepared for the multifaceted challenges of the future. This article delves into the various domains of skills essential for sustainable careers.

Guest Author: Mr. Anand B., Vice President, NTTF

Top Skills for Youth in the Age of Technology to Build a Sustainable Career

Technical Domain-Specific Skills

Fundamentals and Core Competencies
Technical skills form the bedrock of any professional career, especially in engineering and technology. Understanding the fundamentals of engineering principles, methodologies, and the ability to read and interpret technical drawings are crucial. Youth must be adept at understanding customer-specific engineering requirements and machining operations. Core competencies include the ability to identify problematic areas, conduct root cause analysis, and appreciate the importance of quality aspects. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and adhering to best practices are equally vital.

Functional Skills

Organizational Effectiveness and Efficiency
From an industry perspective, functional skills are designed to enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Techniques such as ‘5S’ housekeeping, the use of 7 QC tools, and continuous improvement activities like Kaizens are fundamental. Safety enhancement, problem-solving skills, lean management, and the “5W & 1H” methodology (What, Who, Where, When, Why, and How) are essential for streamlining processes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Behavioural Skills

Soft Skills and Personality Traits
Behavioural skills, often referred to as soft skills, are indispensable for personal and professional growth. These include principles of human relationships, a positive attitude, commitment, time management, and discipline. Effective communication, both verbal and written, self-dependence, and interdependence are key. Setting goals, fostering team spirit, teamwork, negotiation skills, and adaptability contribute significantly to an individual’s success. Moreover, a continuous learning attitude, stress management, decision-making abilities, leadership skills, patience, and integrity are critical. Cognitive skills such as thinking, listening, learning, understanding, questioning, and paying attention are essential qualities that underpin all other skills.

Professional and Workplace Skills

Navigating the Professional Environment
Professional skills encompass a wide range of competencies required to excel in the workplace. Time management, conflict management, people management, and the ability to articulate and present ideas effectively are paramount. Negotiation skills, multi-skilling, specialized skills, and employability skills are crucial. Attention to detail (Care-for-Details, CFD), adaptability, a continuous learning attitude, critical thinking, delegation, creativity, innovation, relationship building, organizational abilities, systems thinking, and business acumen are integral. Awareness of occupational health, safety, hazard consciousness, project management, environmental responsibilities, and Industry 4.0/Smart Factories also plays a significant role.

Information and Digital Skills

Digital Literacy for the Modern Era
In an increasingly digital world, information and digital skills are non-negotiable. Proficiency in computer operations, mobile applications, internet usage, and social media is essential. Being able to communicate and interact safely and responsibly online is crucial. These digital skills empower individuals to navigate the digital landscape confidently, remain competitive in the job market, and contribute significantly to the digital revolution.

Social Skills

Life Skills for Personal and Professional Success
Social skills, or life skills, are foundational for effective communication and building positive relationships. These include conflict resolution, active listening, empathy, relationship management, respect, focus, and self-control. Perspective-taking, making connections, critical thinking, taking on challenges, self-directed and engaged learning, constructive and ethical thinking, and emotional intelligence are vital. These skills enable individuals to create positive relations and navigate both personal and professional spheres with confidence and empathy.