Skill development has been proven to be a means to an end. It not only empowers a person and enhances employability but also ameliorates social acceptance. Developing skills has become an absolute necessity in today’s changing times. Under the various initiatives taken by the Government, many have benefitted. A diamond needs polish which lends it its luster and market value; similarly, a human born with an unexplored talent needs the training to develop that into a skill which in turn benefits him in the long run. India now needs more of a skilled workforce to rise up the ladder to attain the status of a developed nation. The Government in collaboration with the private sector has set up numerous training institutes to train the unskilled youth of India. All one needs to recognize his/her field of interest and respective hidden talent, and they’re all set to add to the treasury of the workforce of India.
“Developing skills is as important as training. A larger effort is needed to create a skilled workforce with employment potential.”- M.M. Pallam Raju. (Former Union Minister for HRD)
Though no skill or role is gender-specific, many times we see women inclined towards the Beauty and Wellness industry. Some women grow up interested in make-up, hairstyling, fitness among others. Many institutes have cropped up training women in the same to make them fit for the roles of Hair Stylist, Make-Up Artists (popularly known as MUAs), Pedicurist and Manicurist and Yoga trainers. The programs are primarily conducted by the Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council, under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Since its inception, it has trained over 7 Lakh youths who received a certificate in Beauty and Wellness recognized by the Government of India. The certificates help them by making them employable or self-employable.
There are a lot of women in rural areas who engage in handmade crafts. They are extremely skilled with their work and they make bamboo baskets, make and pack Agarbattis, Bengaline bags, and glass utensils and showpieces. They are trained under the Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council. A lot of men are also trained to become Chiselers, Clippers, and Embossers under their programs.
Real Estate is a fast-growing business all over the world and highly skilled laborers are necessary for the job starting from bricklayers to technicians, masons, painters, carpenters, and scaffolders among others. The Construction Skill Development Council of India manages the training of the same.
A lot of times, the need for a driver is felt. Developing this skill of driving will not only ensure jobs in private households but also fast-growing ridesharing companies like Ola, Uber, and even food delivering partner companies like Swiggy, Zomato, and Food Panda. The Automotive Skills Development Council aims at ensuring training in safe automobile maintenance and repair skills. With over 1100 training centers, more than 3 Lakh certified candidates, and 188 job roles, this sector is a lucrative one to train oneself.
There are many other Skill Development sectors that, if utilized, can benefit both the youth and the nation like IT, Telecom Sector, Textile Sector, Tourism and Hospitality, Gem and Jewellery, Plumbing, etc. By enrolling in these Skill Development Programs, not only will one more family earn a means of livelihood but also be able to live a life with dignity. The nation, too, will move one step forward towards meeting its goal.
Shouma Banerjee
(Volunteer)
