Scaling Skill Development in India: Episode 2: Strategies for funding and sustaining skill education

In the NSN mini-series titled “Sustainable Partnerships for Scaling Skill Development in India,” we invited esteemed leaders to explore the implications of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and vocational education in India.

This discussion aimed to strengthen understanding of how NEP 2020 can reshape vocational education by integrating skill training early in the education system and addressing challenges at various educational levels. This three-episode series aims to foster the emerging landscape of skill education in India and partnerships that sustain and scale.

Catch up on the first episode of the series here: Scaling Skill Development in India: Episode 1: NEP 2020 and Vocational Courses in India

The conversation, moderated by Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder and Director of NSN, featured insights from

• Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chief Impact Officer at Sambhav Foundation and Chairperson at LabourNet
• Mr. Raj Gilda, Co-Founder of Lend-A-Hand-India
• Dr. Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Haryana

Here are some of the highlights from the episode. To watch the full episode, please visit our YouTube channel.

Scaling Skill Development in India: Episode 2: Strategies for funding and sustaining skill education

In the second episode, titled “Strategies for Funding and Sustaining Skill Education,” the discussion focused on innovative approaches to securing and managing funding for vocational training. Key strategies included:

• Leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions
• Utilizing Learning and Development (L&D) budgets
• Exploring alternative funding sources

The conversation also highlighted the importance of sustainability in vocational programs, covering insights on:

• Balancing funding from private schools
• Increasing community involvement
• Implementing revenue-generating activities
• Ensuring that student fees and industry contributions support long-term program viability

Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan stressed that CSR contributions should be leveraged as strategic investments rather than mere financial aid. She emphasized the potential of these contributions to drive long-term impacts when coupled with strategic partnerships. “Funding for skill development is more than just financial support; it’s a commitment to our future workforce. We must view CSR contributions not as charity, but as strategic investments in building a skilled workforce that can drive economic growth. Additionally, creating synergies between different stakeholders, including government bodies and private sectors, is key to sustaining these initiatives.”

Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan also highlighted the need for collaborative approaches involving various stakeholders to ensure that skill development programs are effective and sustainable.

Mr. Raj Gilda said “Innovative funding mechanisms are crucial for the success of vocational training programs. We need to maximize the use of Learning and Development (L&D) budgets and explore alternative sources like grants and philanthropy.”

“Moreover, community involvement plays a pivotal role in this process; local engagement can drive the success of these programs by fostering a sense of ownership and relevance,” he added.

“Sustainable vocational training requires a multi-faceted approach to funding. It is not only about balancing funds from private schools and industry contributions but also about integrating revenue-generating activities that can provide continuous support. Engaging industry partners and ensuring that student fees are aligned with the program’s sustainability are critical for long-term success,” said Dr. Raj Nehru.

Dr. Raj Nehru underscored the need for a comprehensive funding strategy that includes balancing contributions from various sources, implementing revenue-generating activities, and aligning student fees with program sustainability. He highlighted that engaging industry partners and creating a balanced funding approach are crucial for the long-term success and viability of vocational education programs.

Strategic funding and sustainable practices are crucial for scaling skill development initiatives in India. By harnessing various funding mechanisms and fostering strong partnerships, stakeholders can ensure that vocational education programs remain effective and resilient. We encourage you to explore these insights further and implement these strategies to contribute to the growth and sustainability of skill development in India.

Stay tuned for the next episode in our series, where we will continue to explore effective strategies for scaling skill education in the context of ways to ensure impactful skill-based learning.