This article is based on the inputs from Mr. Bhaskar Natarajan, Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Former Head – Programme Execution, Tata STRIVE.
A training organisation might develop an outstanding skill development programme, but all the efforts would go in vain if it were not taken to the right people. One of the main components for the success of any skill development programme is the efficiency of a mobilised.
Learn more about Tata STRIVE’s courses and their initiatives in skill development – https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/tata-strive/
The role of a mobiliser is strategic. It’s the mobilisers who influence and impress upon the youth and their parents on the need for skill training, placements, and course certification.
It’s the mobilisers who advocate enrolments on behalf of the training organisation. They are the first point of contact for the community from the training organisation. Therefore, it is essential that training partners and others in the domain give due respect to this role and recognise them with some rewards.
Let us try to understand some of the top skills required by a mobiliser in skill development:
Top five skills required by a mobiliser in skill development
- Ability to influence: A mobiliser is essentially an influencer who goes into the community and creates awareness among the youth and their parents on various courses and career opportunities. Mobilisers must be able to communicate effectively, interact with the youth with passion, and most importantly be able to impress upon them.
- Be gender-sensitive: Mobilisers must be gender-sensitive. They must keep in mind, the needs of women candidates, objections they or their parents might have, and understand their parents’ considerations.
- Be technology-savvy: Pandemic has pushed every mobiliser to be technology-savvy. Mobilisers must be able to use mobile phones, various mobile applications to collect data, to be able to work in a team, and to be transparent with others in the training organisation.
- Be curious: Mobilisers must be curious enough to know their surroundings. They must know and be empathetic towards different communities and be able to anticipate their questions in advance. They must be data-centric and be able to connect the dots.
- Be a team player: Teamwork is an essential skill to be possessed by mobilisers. They must work in a team not only while mobilising and enrolling students in the course but also after that. By closely working with Centre Managers, Project Managers, and others in the training organisation, the leadership team would be able to make the right commitments to their funders.
Also read: Role and skills of a mobiliser in skill development – https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/role-and-skills-of-a-mobiliser-in-skill-development/
Training organisations must recognise the importance of the role of a mobiliser. They should support them with the right tools, transportation, reimbursement policies and help them build the right skills. They should also create enough opportunities to grow and move up vertically. This would be a motivating factor for mobilisers to give their best on the field.
Rewards, recognition and incentives also encourage women to take up the role of a mobiliser. When women mobilisers interact with parents, the confidence among the parents and the women students is high and that is an asset to the training organisation.
