Attaining a degree is a sign of formal education but it no more guarantees individual growth, social stability or financial security. Skill education is the need of the hour for outcome-based learning that respond to global reality and learner’s aspiration

Education for the sake of attaining formal education is not desirable considering the increase in educated unemployment in the country which calls for a greater reflection at what guides the aims and objectives of education at individual and national level. Formal education no more guarantees individual growth, social stability or financial security.

These are some points that make skill acquisition more important than formal education:

• The curriculum we are taught is quite old, it has nothing to do with real time scenario now which needs to be updated.
• In today’s time, everyone is following marks because the cutoff percentage of every exam is on that basis In order to get more marks; everyone is using shortcut method to achieve success without any effort.
• The limited use of technology in the classroom is another deterrent to developing relevant job ready skills among the students.

There is no doubt that skill education has acquired a greater importance in the current socio-economic context of the country. As per a report published by Ernst and Young, by 2026 demographically, India would be at an advantageous position with approximately 64 per cent of our population laying in the age bracket of 15-59 years, with only 13 per cent of population aged about 60. Skilled education therefore is imperative for us to be able to reap the demographic dividend which a young population would offer. If education does not respond to the need of skilled manpower in a growing economy like ours, then it would fail its youth in attaining both basic and higher aspirations of life.

What is Skill Development ?

Skill Development is the process of identification of the skills gap in youth and providing skilling training & employment benefits to them. Skill development programs aim to acknowledge the ability of the youth and extend their support by serving them with the proper guidance, infrastructure, opportunities, and encouragement that help them achieve their ambitions. Education and skills are essential for everyone, and they both walk hand in hand in everyone’s career journey. They are the roots behind the economic growth and community development of a country.