The Increasing Skill Gap in India

India has always been seen as a country with exceptionally academically qualified individuals. Every Indian child has had pressure put on them at some point in their lives to pursue an academic degree or, in some cases, several degrees. Not having a proper qualification in a ‘secure’ field is often frowned upon by most. The reality is that we live in a very different world from that of the previous generations. The types of jobs available in the job market are more skill-based and require expertise rather than qualifications. The World Economic Forum’s ‘4 C’s’ (critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity) are life skills that will help students adapt to the fast-developing challenges of the professional world. These are the skills required for the future job market which is predicted to be more competitive and dynamic.

Today, several leading companies are seeing a skill gap in the Indian market. There are adequate listings, but the aspirants often lack the technical skills needed to do those jobs.

Does the Current Education System Need an Update?

Most experts and industry stalwarts believe that the education system being followed in schools requires a focus on practical learning. According to the World Economic Forum, “Disruptive changes to business models will have a profound impact on the employment landscape over the coming years. Many of the major drivers of transformation currently affecting global industries are expected to have a significant impact on jobs, ranging from significant job creation to job displacement, and from heightened labor productivity to widening skills gaps.”

Skills vs Degrees

A growing trend amongst employers is to consider applicants with a specific skill set and hands-on experience rather than someone with just a degree. Many non-graduates can pursue and thrive in jobs despite lacking academic qualifications. Competence-based learning and placing importance on vocational education seems to be the way forward.

Is a Synergy Between Industries and Government the Need of the Hour?

It seems only logical that the industries and government work together to address the skill gap. The education system needs an overhaul to produce a skilled workforce for future jobs. Developing digital competence in today's job market is crucial. The development of industry-specific skills is another critical area that requires attention. Educational institutions must set up specialised curriculums developed by industry-based research. These can help instil the skills needed for aspirants to gain an edge when applying for competitive jobs.

In Summary

It is time to rethink our education system and look toward the future. Restructuring the current approach to meet the needs of future employers is crucial. This requires both industries and the government to come together to understand the gaps faced by our workforce. Academic qualifications may not help secure a job in today's job market or those available in the future.

NimbleQ offers programs focused on bridging the skill gap faced today. Facilitating children from kindergarten to the 10th grade, we try to develop problem-solving, creative, and analytical thinking skills to meet the demands of jobs that we will see in the future. By focusing on developing skills that are required by employers, we hope to give students a better chance at applying for and securing jobs today and in the future. We aim to build and nurture the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow starting today.