Unnati’s Post

We are thrilled to announce that the Hindustan Times has published an insightful article by Sharon Barnhardt (Director – Research, Centre for Social and Behaviour Change) and Samyak Chakrabarty (CEO, Workverse). The article delves into India's pressing need to fully bridge education and skill gaps to leverage its demographic dividend. It highlights the growing significance of soft skills —a critical differentiator in today's AI-driven job market—emphasising how they are increasingly valued over traditional qualifications for employability.  Read the full article here to explore how India can shape a future-ready workforce: https://lnkd.in/ejSDV5ns. #Employability #SoftSkills #Education #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfWork

🌟 The Soft Skills Revolution: Shaping India's Workforce for the Future 🌟 In today’s rapidly evolving job market, soft skills are no longer just "good-to-have" — they’re essential. With automation reducing reliance on traditional roles and formal degrees, uniquely human capabilities like **emotional intelligence, creative thinking, and problem-solving** are becoming the true differentiators in employability. 💡 Key Insights on Soft Skills and Their Impact: 1️⃣ Soft Skills: The Game Changer These irreplaceable human abilities are the foundation of the 21st-century workplace, offering resilience against automation and making employees indispensable. 2️⃣ Challenges in Teaching Soft Skills Traditional methods don’t cut it. Innovative approaches like virtual reality, simulations, and immersive environments are proving far more effective. 3️⃣ Integration Across Sectors Initiatives like the Nimaya Foundation’s ‘Smart Naaris’ and government programs in Bihar and Jharkhand highlight how embedding soft skills into educational and vocational training can transform lives. 4️⃣ The Employability Gap With only 51.25% of Indian youth (18-29) deemed employable (India Skills Report 2024), it’s clear we need more than technical training — social and emotional competencies are just as critical. 5️⃣ A Holistic Approach for the Future By prioritizing soft skills in education, especially in rural and underserved areas, we can build resilient, competitive, and empowered communities ready to thrive in an AI-driven world. As India aims to leverage its demographic dividend and become a global powerhouse, soft skills are the bridge to a future-ready workforce. 👉 Let’s reimagine education, invest in innovative teaching methods, and ensure our youth are equipped to lead with confidence, creativity, and compassion. What steps can we take to champion soft skills in our workplaces and communities? Share your thoughts below! 👇

Importance of Skill Development for Employability in India: Skill development is a crucial aspect of enhancing employability in India, addressing both economic growth and individual career progression. Here’s why it holds significant importance: Bridging the Skill Gap: India's fast-growing economy demands a skilled workforce to sustain and enhance its development. Skill development programs help bridge the gap between the skills possessed by job seekers and the requirements of employers. Enhancing Competitiveness: As businesses evolve with new technologies and methodologies, skill development ensures that the workforce remains competitive in the global market. This is crucial for maintaining the country's economic edge. Reducing Unemployment: A significant proportion of India's workforce remains unemployable due to a lack of necessary skills. By providing targeted training, individuals become job-ready, reducing unemployment rates and underemployment. Promoting Entrepreneurship: Skill development fosters entrepreneurship by equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to start and manage their businesses. This not only creates jobs but also drives innovation and economic growth. Meeting Industry Demands: Industries today require specific skills tailored to their operations. Skill development initiatives ensure that the training provided aligns with industry needs, leading to better job placements and productivity. Economic Mobility: Skilled workers are more likely to secure higher-paying jobs, contributing to their personal economic mobility and improved living standards. This also helps in reducing economic disparities within the country. Adaptability to Technological Changes: The rapid advancement in technology necessitates continuous learning and adaptation. Skill development programs help the workforce stay updated with the latest technological trends and practices, ensuring they remain relevant in the job market. Government Initiatives and Policies: The Indian government has recognized the importance of skill development through policies like the National Skill Development Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). These initiatives aim to train millions of youth, making them job-ready and enhancing the overall employability quotient of the country. Boosting Productivity: A skilled workforce leads to higher productivity levels, which in turn boosts the efficiency and profitability of industries. This creates a positive cycle of growth and development, benefiting the entire economy. Hope4Best Foundation Proskillindia Vocational Training College #NationalEducationPolicy #NEP2024 #EducationReform #NEPIndia #NewEducationPolicy #NEPImplementation #EducationTransformation #FutureOfEducation #EducationForAll #NEPGoals #SkillsForJobs #SkillDevelopment #JobSkills #FutureSkills #CareerSkills #SkillsTraining #WorkforceSkills #UGC #Vocational #WomenEntrepreneurship #EmployabilitySkills #SkillUp #SkillsMatter

Indian Graduates' Employability Rate Reaches 54.81 per cent: Report At a national level, the employability rate stands at 54.81 per cent, indicating a substantial pool of talent that has the foundational skills to contribute effectively to the economy. However, this figure also highlights the need for targeted efforts to uplift a considerable segment of graduates who still fall short of meeting industry expectations. The 2024 Wheebox Skills Report offers a snapshot of India's employability landscape, drawing insights from over 6.5 lakh participants who took the Wheebox Global Employability Test (GET). As the nation strides toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, this report sheds light on the strengths, opportunities, and areas requiring strategic focus to enhance the workforce's readiness for the future. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gf5jjc-6 #IndiaSkills #EmployabilityRate #WheeboxSkillsReport #WorkforceReadiness #TalentDevelopment #GraduateEmployability #UpskillingIndia #SkillGap #FutureOfWork #IndiaRising #EconomicPowerhouse #GlobalWorkforce #EducationToEmployment #IndustryReadyTalent #SkillDevelopment

The Generational Effect on Indian Youth Employability India is at a turning point in employability, and the challenge isn’t just about education—it’s deeply generational. For decades, Indian families have seen government jobs as the ultimate career goal. Success was measured by high grades, cracking UPSC or PSC exams, and securing a "stable" future. But today, the private sector is where the real opportunities lie, and here, hiring isn’t based on marks—it’s based on skills, adaptability, and problem-solving ability. The problem? Many Indian students struggle with real-world intelligence. Not because they lack talent, but because they’ve been conditioned to fear failure. From childhood, most Indian kids grow up hearing constant NOs whenever they try to explore beyond academics: "Don’t cycle too far, you might fall." "Skating? Too risky." "Sports won’t help your career, focus on studies." "Business? That’s too uncertain—get a secure job." "Don't try new things, stick to what’s safe." Every time a child is discouraged from exploring, they lose a chance to build resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Over time, this conditioning kills their ability to take risks, make decisions, or think independently. And when they enter the job market, they struggle—not because they lack knowledge, but because they’ve never been trained to navigate uncertainty. ✅ Encourage Skill-Based Learning – Communication, leadership, adaptability, and resilience matter more than just degrees. ✅ Rethink Parenting Mindsets – Instead of saying "Don't fail", say "Try, learn, and grow." ✅ Bridge the Industry Gap – Young professionals need real-world exposure, networking, and skill mastery, not just certificates. ✅ Build a Growth Mindset – Confidence, risk-taking, and problem-solving will define the future workforce. The job market is evolving. Are we preparing our youth for it? If you’re a leader, coach, educator, or employer, how do we bridge this gap? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇 #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Employability #SkillDevelopment #MindsetShift #IndianEducation #FutureOfWork #Coaching #Resilience #Entrepreneurship

Skilling at the Grassroots Level in India Challenges. 1. Mismatched Training and Market Needs Irrelevant Courses: Many skilling programs do not align with local economic needs. Courses offered may not suit the demands of the local job market, leading to unemployable skills. Inadequate Industry Linkage: There’s often a gap between the skills taught and what industries require, which reduces the employability of trained individuals. 2. Poor Infrastructure and Facilities Lack of Training Centers: In rural areas, there are few training centers, and existing ones often lack proper equipment, tools, or qualified instructors. Limited Access to Technology: 3. Low Awareness and Motivation Lack of Awareness: Many people at the grassroots level are unaware of skilling programs, and there is insufficient promotion or outreach to inform rural populations. Low Motivation: Due to immediate financial pressures, individuals may prioritize daily wage work over investing time in long-term skill development, especially when the benefits are uncertain or not visible immediately. 4. Socio-cultural Barriers Gender Bias: In some communities, there is resistance to skilling women or engaging them in certain trades, which reduces participation rates. Educational Barriers: Many participants may lack the basic literacy or numeracy required for effective skill training, making it harder to grasp vocational skills that are more technical in nature. 5. Lack of Proper Funding and Implementation Insufficient Government Support: While there are government programs for skill development, they often suffer from poor implementation, lack of funding, or delays in disbursements. Private Sector Involvement: Private-sector participation in grassroots skilling is often limited, especially in rural areas, due to perceived risks and lower returns. 6. Geographical and Mobility Challenges Distance from Training Centers: Many rural areas are remote, making it difficult for people to access skilling programs. Transportation costs and time are deterrents. Migration for Work: Seasonal migration of rural workers makes it difficult for them to complete long-term training programs. 7. Job Placement and Retention Issues Lack of Placement Assistance: Even after completing skilling programs, trainees often lack proper job placement support, which makes it hard to translate their new skills into employment. Job Quality and Stability: Many available jobs are low-paying, temporary, or offer little job security, discouraging individuals from engaging in skilling programs. 8. Skill Certification Recognition Recognition and Accreditation: Often, the certificates provided by local skilling programs are not recognized by industries or employers, reducing the value of these programs. #SkillDevelopment #GrassrootsEmpowerment #RuralSkilling #IndiaSkills #VocationalTraining #InclusiveGrowth #EmploymentForAll #SkillIndia

I found it disconcerting to read a recent International Labour Organization, report that flagged concerns about India’s job scenario. It claimed that youth account for almost 83% of India’s unemployed workforce. The scenario worldwide isn’t encouraging either. Global projections indicate that by 2030, over 85 million jobs will remain unfilled owing to a scarcity of skilled workers. This conflict between employment versus employability and potential versus opportunities needs immediate resolution. We have no choice but to legitimatise skills over the mere comfort of degrees. I still see gaps in critical thinking, problem-solving aptitude, and vocational training, which the Indian education system must address early. Then comes the corporate classroom. I’m pleased to see some organisations using National Skill Development Corporation certifications to facilitate the transition of unskilled workers into formal employment. Enlightened businesses could take it further by promoting quality apprenticeships to bridge the skill gaps at the corporate level. With better employment conditions in our country, Indian resources can thrive in globalised, tech-driven economies. Reskilling and upskilling are the future economy’s needs and the only way forward. As the adage goes, lifelong learning translates into lifelong employability. #Unemployment #Upskilling #Economy

"The Missing Link: Where Skill Development Meets Employment" As I ponder the paradox of India's growth story, I'm struck by a glaring disconnect. We're busy empowering our youth with skills, but forgetting the most crucial piece of the puzzle: employment. It's like building a house without a foundation. We're investing heavily in skill development programs, but not providing the opportunities for our young people to put those skills to use. The result? A generation of skilled, yet unemployed, youth. I often wonder, what's the point of skill development if not to create employment opportunities? Is it merely a feel-good exercise, a box to be checked on the development agenda? The truth is, our job market is flawed. We prioritize experience over potential, and overlook the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that young people bring to the table. But I envision a different future. One where skill development meets employment, where young people are empowered to take on leadership roles, and where innovation and creativity thrive. It's time for us to rethink our approach. To create job opportunities that align with the skills and aspirations of our youth. To prioritize potential over experience. And to empower our young people to drive positive change. The future of India depends on it. Will you join me in bridging the gap between skill development and employment?

Being educated & being Employable are two different things. In the last 8 years of starting JJSE, we had the opportunity to work with Mid Career professionals & Corporates. This enabled us to work on the industry aspect of Employability. We got to work holistically if we wish to work on enhancing employability %. Starting 2025, we will also be working on roots. Enhancing employability quotient with academia. In order for us to do that, it's critical to connect with schools, educators and policy makers. If you are someone who is from academia and believe in the vision of Making India Employable, do send me a DM. Let's Make India Employable. Are you game? #Employability #MIE #CareerCoach #Coach

India's youth face an increasing challenge – degrees without skills. The traditional education system focuses on theoretical knowledge, leaving millions of graduates unprepared for today's job market. But there's hope! 🌟 In my latest blog, I discuss: Why skill development from an early age is critical The real reason behind India's unemployment crisis 7 practical solutions to overcome this challenge 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g8DwatTf Let’s empower our youth with the right skills and mindset! 💪 #SkillIndia #Unemployment #YouthEmpowerment #DigitalSkills #CareerGrowth