Vocational Education and Training (VET) plays a vital role in enhancing productivity, employability, and preparing the workforce for the future of work. However, in India, VET remains weak despite large-scale initiatives such as the Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
Significance of Vocational Education and Training:
- Harnessing youth potential: India has a median age of ~28 years and will remain the world’s youngest nation till 2040. VET can turn this demographic advantage into a productive workforce.
- Boosting employability: Formal skills training raises productivity, wages, and job-readiness, especially in sunrise sectors (EVs, AI, green energy, robotics).
- Global competitiveness: Skilled manpower can support India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Inclusive growth: VET equips rural youth, women, and marginalized groups with employable skills, reducing disguised unemployment in agriculture.
- Linking with SDGs: Supports SDG-4 (quality education), SDG-8 (decent work), and SDG-9 (industry & innovation).
Poor Scenario of Vocational Education in India:
- Low coverage: Only 4% of India’s workforce has received formal VET vs. 80–90% in Germany, Switzerland.
- Under-utilised infrastructure: 14,000+ ITIs with 25 lakh seats but only 12 lakh enrolments (48% utilization, 2022).
- Low financing: Just 3% of education budget spent on skill development while advanced economies spend 10–13% on skill development.
- Vacant posts & poor quality: 1/3 instructor positions vacant in ITIs; outdated curriculum and labs.
- Weak industry linkage: Limited apprenticeships, weak involvement of MSMEs in training.
- Poor mobility & perception: VET seen as a “second-best” option with few academic pathways. Social stigma still persists in creating favourable advantage for vocational education.
Measures needed:
Increase Investment:
- Raise VET allocation to 5–6% of education outlay.
- Fund vocational education based on outcomes such as placement rates and wage growth.
Strengthen Industry Linkage:
- Co-design curriculum with Sector Skill Councils.
- Incentivise apprenticeships via NAPS (stipend support) with focus on MSMEs.
- Adopt Germany’s dual model of mixing classroom and industry training.
Modernise Curriculum:
- Introduce AI, robotics, IoT, EV technology, 3D printing, green skills.
- Convert select ITIs/PMKKs into Centres of Excellence with modern labs.
Ensure Academic Pathways:
- Operationalise NSQF with Academic Bank of Credits.
- Allow ITI graduates to enter polytechnics, diplomas, and degree programs.
Improve Teacher Quality:
- Fill vacancies and create Trainer of Trainers (ToT) network.
- Ensure compulsory industry immersion for faculty.
Promote Early Vocational Exposure:
- NEP 2020 introduces vocational subjects in schools for 50% learners by 2025.
Boost R&D and Global Benchmarking:
- Invest in skill-based R&D; encourage tie-ups with global institutions like Singapore’s Skills Future.
- Establish international accreditation for labs & training institutes.
Conclusion:
Without a strong vocational education ecosystem, India’s demographic dividend risks becoming a demographic burden. By raising investment, aligning with industry, and ensuring pathways to higher education, India can transform vocational education into the backbone of employment and inclusive growth.
‘+1’ Value addition:
- Germany’s Dual System: 50% youth enter apprenticeships and 90% employment post-training.
- Singapore’s Skills Future: Lifelong learning credits for all citizens above 25 years.
- Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC): improved rural employment in crafts & services.
- By 2030, India’s working-age population will touch 1 billion, but only 30% will have relevant skills (ILO).
- NSDC report: India can supply 47 million skilled workers globally by 2030 if training systems align
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