Skill-Based Training to Boost Jobs in Different Sectors: World Bank

1. The World Bank has released a study called "Jobs at Your Doorsteps", focusing on the availability of skill education and jobs in six states: Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
2. The study says that the services sector and agriculture offer great opportunities for school-based training. The report also highlights 14 sectors and related jobs that could help young people find work after school.
3. The study was released in New Delhi on November 22, 2024, by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Main Goals of the Study:

The study aimed to answer these key questions:

1. How can skill education be improved and expanded to match local job needs?
2. What skills should be taught in schools based on the job market?
3. How can skill education lead to better jobs, self-employment, or further education?

Key Findings of the Study:

The study highlighted several important points about different sectors and how skill education can help create jobs.

1. Opportunities in Different Sectors

Agriculture Sector:

1. study found that agriculture offers many opportunities to increase income and start new businesses.
2. Skills that improve farm productivity and help farmers run their businesses better could lead to higher earnings.
3. This is especially important in rural areas.
4. The study suggests that agricultural education should be customized to fit the needs of local areas.
5. It recommends focusing on areas like horticulture, dairy farming, livestock health, and fisheries to create more jobs in agriculture.
6. Income Increase: Focusing on improving farm practices and knowledge of plants and animals could help farmers earn more money.

Manufacturing Sector:

1. The study found that the manufacturing sector (including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and large industries) offers medium-level job opportunities for people who finish school with skilled training.
2. MSMEs are looking for workers with a variety of skills, while larger industries need workers with formal certifications (like an ITI qualification).
3. These industries also want to work with schools to improve training and design better curricula to prepare students for jobs.

Services Sector (Tertiary Sector):

1. In the services sector, jobs in areas like retail, IT, and banking are growing.
2. These jobs require workers to have multiple skills and knowledge in different fields.
3. The study highlighted that skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork are needed across all service sectors.
4. These skills are important in almost every job and are a common requirement across the country.

2. Sectors with Limited Opportunities

1. The study found that the mining sector does not offer many school-to-work job opportunities. This is mainly because:
   1. Mining jobs are dangerous.
   2. The sector mainly needs unskilled workers, making it less attractive for skilled workers.

3. Recommendations for Strengthening Skill Education

1. The study suggests setting up skill hubs in different areas.
2. These hubs would be centers where students can get hands-on training in different trades.
3. The study recommends that schools offer broad-based training that covers many different job roles within one trade.
4. This way, students can learn a wide range of skills, which will help them find jobs.
5. The study also says that the curriculum should be adjusted to reflect the local economy.
6. This means that students should be taught skills that are in demand in the region where they live.
7. The study emphasizes that students should learn both technical skills (like carpentry or welding) and employability skills (like communication and teamwork). Both are important for success in the workplace.
8. Hands-On Learning: The study stresses the need for practical learning where students get the chance to work with real tools and equipment, not just learn from books.
9. The study says schools should work closely with companies to make sure the training matches what industries need. This could involve:
   1. Designing training courses with input from companies.
   2. Bringing industry experts into schools for guest lectures.
   3. Giving students real-world experience through internships and apprenticeships.
10. The study also recommends offering counseling services to students and parents to help them understand the benefits of skill-based education.
11. This could help change the idea that vocational training is only for people who cannot do traditional academic courses.
12. The study notes that self-employment should be encouraged, especially in agriculture, where young people can start their own businesses and help local economies grow.

Conclusion

The World Bank's study provides a detailed look at how skill education can improve job opportunities across various sectors in India. It highlights the importance of agriculture, manufacturing, and services as key sectors where school-based skill training can help students find good jobs. The study also recommends creating skill hubs, adapting the curriculum to fit local needs, focusing on both technical and employability skills, and strengthening ties between schools and industries. By following these recommendations, India can better match its education system to the needs of the job market, helping young people build successful careers.

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