The Future of Work: Anticipating Skill Demands & Preparing Students Accordingly

The India Skills Report 2021 highlights a critical issue: nearly half of Indian graduates are unemployable due to a lack of skills and industry exposure. This gap necessitates significant training for new hires, leading to low initial salaries. The demand for skilled manpower is set to rise across various sectors, necessitating a shift towards creating an industry-ready workforce.

Universities must play a pivotal role in this transformation. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes integrating skill development and hands-on training into the curriculum. While internships provide some industry exposure, they often lack the depth required for experiential learning.

A paradigm shift towards action learning is essential. Universities should establish on-campus manufacturing units and labs, sponsored by leading industry firms like Yamaha and Schneider Electric, to offer hands-on experience. This model should integrate product design, development, patenting, production, and commercialization alongside theoretical education. For instance, engineering students should gain practical experience in designing vehicles, while agriculture students should learn to apply technology in farming.

Applied learning through live production and practice-based training is becoming the norm. Academia-industry partnerships can help identify and bridge learning gaps. Additionally, lateral entry programs allow students to upskill and complete their education at any stage in their careers.

Beyond traditional courses, emerging fields like paramedics, fisheries, and bioengineering are gaining popularity. These programs prepare students for future demands, ensuring they are not only job-ready but also capable of becoming entrepreneurs. This holistic approach will produce graduates who can drive innovation and growth in their respective industries.

The author is the Vice Chancellor, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha.