The combined forces of globalisation, technological change and liberalisation of markets are creating a more competitive economic environment and changing the very nature of work and work organisation. While these forces are creating new job opportunities, they are also increasing the workers’ vulnerability.
Additionally, being knowledge-driven, the quality of the labour force has become a major determinant in the competitiveness and adaptability of enterprises, workers and the economy. All of this poses a challenge to the vocational education and training (VET) systems to meet the rapidly and continuously changing labour market demands.
India is at a threshold, where skilling is the only way it can utilise its huge youth entering the workforce. Vocational training can help bridge employability gap on one hand, while providing effective employment on the other. However, it is most crucial to remember that such trainings need to keep pace with the changing trends and requirements of the industry.
Thirdly, they must ensure access to opportunities to the unemployed, the disadvantaged and those at risk. The world of work is evolving and with it, the role of VET. The far-reaching transformation of the global economy is compelling governments and even the private sector to rethink their development strategy in general, and VET in particular.
To make this more effective, first and foremost, old curriculum must be updated with a new and advanced one. The new curriculum must have coherence with industry requirements to ensure that those passing out are absorbed by them. How can technology help? Primarily, by increasing exposure and reach.
E-learning and mobile learning is a positive movement that can open education and training up to young people who currently feel excluded. Several organisations like Viztar International has been prompt in realising these advantages and have designed training modules that will be available to the students on their mobile phones and tablets.
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