Scaling Skill Development in India: Episode 3: Ways to ensure impactful skill-based learning

In the NSN mini-series titled “Sustainable Partnerships for Scaling Skill Development in India,” we invited esteemed leaders to discuss how the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 impacts 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

Catch up on the second episode of the series here: Scaling Skill Development in India: Episode 2: Strategies for funding and sustaining skill education

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 3: Ways to ensure impactful skill-based learning

In the third and last episode, the discussion focused on ‘Ways to Ensure Impactful Skill-Based Learning’ delving into strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of skill education. This included integrating industry-relevant skills early in the educational journey, leveraging technology for personalized learning, and fostering collaborations between educational institutions and industries. Here, we explore the perspectives of three distinguished experts who provide actionable strategies and key takeaways for enhancing skill education.

Cultivating Resilience and Agility

To effectively contribute to skill education, Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan emphasizes the importance of cultivating resilience and agility. “First and foremost, you need to have resilience because this is not an easy journey,” she states, highlighting the financial and operational challenges in the field. Agility is equally crucial; “Be agile and adaptable,” she advises, noting that flexibility enables effective responses to change.

Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan also underscores the value of practical learning, urging institutions to integrate experiential learning like internships into their programs to bridge the education-employment gap.

Enhancing School and Community Involvement

Mr. Raj Gilda focuses on enhancing school and community involvement. He advocates for offering high school internships, noting, “Even students who have just completed 12th grade can perform exceptionally well.” He also encourages school management to embrace skill and vocational education early, stressing its long-term benefits. Additionally, Mr. Raj Gilda calls on civil society organizations to participate in enhancing school education through technical support and best practices.

Strengthening Education and Addressing Skill Gap

Dr. Raj Nehru stresses the need for a strong educational foundation and addressing skill gap. He asserts, “Strengthening school education is fundamentally important,” as it lays the groundwork for higher education and skill training. He also points out the significant mismatch between higher education skills and job market requirements, urging a focus on aligning educational outcomes with industry needs.

Dr. Raj Nehru advocates for developing a robust ecosystem through collaboration among educational institutions, industry, and policy-makers to drive better outcomes in skill development.

Resilience and agility, enhanced school and community involvement, and a strong educational foundation are essential components of a successful skill development strategy. As the landscape of skill education continues to evolve, adopting these expert recommendations can help create a more dynamic and responsive system that better prepares individuals for the demands of the modern job market. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and embracing innovative practices, we can drive meaningful progress in vocational education and skill development.