1. Skill Initiatives in India Umesh Menon Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India

2. Skills in India – A Historical Perspective Skill based employment was an integral part of the Indian Society. The Social System was based on Skills itself. However, the concept of skills as an inborn factor was the corruption of the Indian Caste System. Skills were imparted inside the house not based on formal education or training. Most of the learning was from the previous generation The shift of society from skilled based learning to formal education somewhat contributed to the disintegration of the skilling mechanism of the Indian Society

3. Reasons for Skill Degeneration The Education System adopted by the Indian Policy makers created clerks with information and degree certificates Focus was on Education without skills. Even the Technical Education System in India does not create employability skills. Skilled person treated as blue collared and educated persons treated as white collared. Hence, skilled parents pushed their children to educational degrees bereft of skills but guaranteeing a white collared job. This was done with expectation that the next generation moved up the Social Ladder.

4. School Education 10 th Grade PUC/ +2 Engineering/Degree MBA/MCA/Masters Glamour/Recognition ITI Diploma Shop floor Job Desk job Choice of Skill Training of a typical Technical Education Student Choice of Academically Successful Students Choice of Academically Weak Students

5. Current Situation Lack of Higher Education Opportunities pushing youth to skill. No formal training in skill required. Low Entry Barriers. (less than 5% get formal training) Most skills acquired through on the job training Hence lack of discipline and awareness of technology/Equipment Low Price Elasticity for skills from the major customer base too – the householders.

6. Skilling in India ITI major source of trained skill providers but mainly understaffed and poorly funded. Engineering/Diploma/Degree institutions booming but employability? Many Industrial Houses having in-house skilling programmes – Focused on need based specific skills. Most skilling initiatives not market or technology driven; mainly driven by convenience.

7. Challenges to Skill Initiatives in India Funding Support – Private Sector Involvement too low. Sector based skills development weak Lack of Trainers/Teachers Poor Technology adaptation by Institution Imparting Skills (Equipment of old vintage) Industry – Institution linkage lacking Curriculum not in sync with Industry requirement

8. The Way Forward Glamorize Trained Skilled Workforce – Create systems to equate training levels with education systems (Undergrad/Postgrad/PhD) Include Entrepreneurship curriculum in Skill Training Promote Skill Based Entrepreneurship Development Develop a system of certifying skills of untrained workforce. Make Skill Training a part of Academic Curriculum in Schools. Involve Industry in Developing Skills Curriculum Promote Industry Sponsorships for students of Skill Training Courses

9. Thank You