From the Desk of Guest Editor
Chetan Kapoor
CEO Tech Mahindra Foundation
Unlocking Potential: Revolutionizing Youth Skill Development for a Brighter Future
Welcome to this special edition of The Bridge India E-magazine, focused on the critical issue of Skill Development of Youth. I am honoured to serve as Guest Editor for this edition.
In 2009, following the global economic crisis, the Government of India made key decisions to enhance youth vocational skills. Since then, numerous government and private initiatives have emerged across the country, all with good intentions. Yet, 15 years later, effectively developing employable skills for our youth remains a significant challenge.
Skill development, at its core, is about balancing supply and demand. “Supply” represents the young people transitioning from education to work, while “demand” refers to industry needs for skilled workers. Achieving this balance requires three key activities: mobilising youth, equipping them with the right skills through structured training, and placing them in meaningful jobs. Success depends on consistently implementing and sustaining these processes.
However, those of us working in this field know this is easier said than done. Challenges abound: lack of awareness about vocational training, difficulty finding quality trainers, and the appeal of informal sector employment. Behavioural factors also play a role—many youngsters are reluctant to relocate for jobs or drop out due to workplace challenges. Therefore, skill development efforts must include personalised elements such as student counselling, parental persuasion for relocation, and even employer mediation to ensure job retention. These intensive, human-centric efforts are difficult to scale, making it clear that large-scale initiatives without such investments are likely to fail.
At Tech Mahindra Foundation, I have had the privilege of being involved in the SMART (Skills-for-Market Training) program since its inception in 2012. What began with just three centres now spans nearly 100 centres, training around 25,000 youth annually, with a placement rate of 75-80%. This success is due to a focus on granularity and detail, ensuring sustained quality. We are now sharing our model for others to replicate, and I invite those interested to reach out to us.
The scale of effort required to address the skill development gap is enormous. Only a collaborative, nuanced, and comprehensive approach will yield the results we need. Fortunately, post-pandemic, more organisations are open to collaboration, which marks a positive shift.
The Skill Development Special from the Bridge India E-Magazine is a step in the right direction, and I hope it is the first of many that this sector needs.
Happy reading!
V.L.V.S.S. Subba Rao Takes the Helm as Vice Chancellor of Young India Skills University, Telangana
V.L.V.S.S. Subba Rao, a retired Indian Economic Service (IES) officer, has been appointed Vice Chancellor of Young India Skills University in Telangana for a three-year term. This newly established university, operating under a public-private partnership model, aims to equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in the global job market, particularly as new technologies continue to emerge.
Mr. Subba Rao brings over 35 years of extensive experience from his distinguished career in the Indian Economic Service. He has held pivotal positions across various central government ministries, including Petroleum & Natural Gas, Financial Services, Rural Development, Higher Education, and Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME). He has also made significant contributions to the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
In his past roles, Mr. Subba Rao served on the boards of major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as HPCL, Balmer Lawrie & Co., and Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL). Additionally, he was the Secretary of the Oil Industry Development Board and acted as the government’s representative on boards for crucial energy projects, including Reliance’s KGD6 and Cairn India’s ventures in Rajasthan.
As Vice Chancellor, Mr. Subba Rao is expected to spearhead Young India Skills University’s mission to empower the youth of Telangana with competitive skills and courses, preparing them for success in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven economy.
Bridging the Skill Gap: How Corporate Initiatives Are Empowering India’s Workforce
Through targeted programmes, corporates like Mphasis, Nasscom Foundation, and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) are laying the foundation for an inclusive, skilled workforce capable of driving India’s growth in the 21st century.
By Karan Bhardwaj
India stands at the cusp of a monumental transformation, with its burgeoning youth population poised to drive future economic growth. However, the key to unlocking this potential lies in addressing one of the country’s most pressing challenges— the skill gap. As industries evolve, there is a growing demand for a workforce equipped with not just technical skills, but also digital literacy and future-ready competencies. Recognising this need, various corporates, through their CSR arms, are launching initiatives to train, upskill, and empower individuals, particularly those from marginalised communities.
Technology-Driven Skill Development
With the rise of Industry 4.0, technology and innovation have become critical drivers of success. Corporate initiatives are focusing on equipping youth and marginalised communities with future-ready skills. Mphasis, through its CSR arm emphasises the role of technology in empowering individuals. The “Future Perfect” programme and cloud-based initiatives focus on providing vocational and soft skills training to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. This digital-first approach ensures that these individuals can secure sustainable employment in the service sector.
In line with this, Nasscom Foundation’s Skilling and Employability Programme plays a key role in equipping young people with foundational and advanced tech skills, such as Data Science, Cybersecurity, IoT, and Java Full Stack. Their commitment to “TechForGood” guides these initiatives, focusing on youth from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and rural areas, ensuring access to digital tools that are otherwise limited.
NSDC also mirrors this trend with its “SkillUp India 4.0” initiative, which aims to impact 30 lakh students. With a focus on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics, the initiative provides students with the tools needed to thrive in a digital economy. NSDC’s collaborations, partnership with the Goa government to set up an international skill centre, further position India as a hub for global talent, where students are trained for both domestic and international markets.
To further amplify the impact of these technology-driven initiatives, the focus must be on sustainability and continuous learning. As technology evolves, it is crucial for skill development programmes to integrate lifelong learning modules to ensure that workers remain competitive. In this regard, the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in augmenting job roles and creating new opportunities cannot be understated.
Show More
Empowering Women Leadership
Women’s participation in the workforce is crucial for India’s economic growth, and corporates are increasingly focusing on it. Mphasis’ collaboration with Katalyst is a prime example. This initiative prepares women from low-income families for leadership roles through professional education and mentorship. They are also helping women secure roles in the IT sector by offering digital and cloud-based training. Over 1,500 women from underserved communities have been trained through these cloud practitioner certification programmes, providing them with access to technical roles in the IT industry.
Nasscom Foundation is also deeply committed to women’s empowerment. Through its Women Entrepreneurship Programme, over 1,00,000 rural women entrepreneurs have been trained in digital and financial literacy, allowing them to promote their products on digital platforms and access wider markets. The Skilling and Employability Programme at Nasscom focusses on closing the gender gap in the tech sector by ensuring that 60 per cent of the beneficiaries are women. Additionally, the Women Wizards Rule Tech Programme empowers women in emerging technologies like AI, ML, and Big Data Analytics, providing mentorship and opportunities for career advancement.
NSDC’s initiatives to uplift women are equally impactful. Programmes like Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) allow women from remote areas, including Jammu and Kashmir, to access future skills training. Furthermore, the focus on language education, offering German and Japanese courses, opens up international job opportunities for women, especially in sectors like healthcare. These initiatives are breaking traditional gender barriers and positioning women for high-demand roles in both the domestic and international workforce.
The impact of these programmes is not only felt at an individual level but also has a ripple effect on communities. As more women enter the workforce, especially in leadership and tech-driven roles, they challenge societal norms and inspire future generations of girls to aspire for greater heights. This shift is vital for India’s long-term economic and social development.
Inclusion of Marginalised Communities: A Focus on Diversity
Inclusion is a central tenet for these CSR programmes, particularly in providing opportunities for marginalised communities. Mphasis places a strong emphasis on inclusivity by working persons with disabilities and women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with employable skills. The company’s support for para-athletes through the Olympic Gold Quest is another example of its commitment to inclusivity.
Nasscom Foundation follows a similar path, focusing on marginalised communities, including differently-abled individuals and the LGBTQ community, through its tailored skill development programmes. The foundation’s Digital Resource Centers, run by trained Digital Ambassadors, act as hubs to foster digital literacy in underserved areas, ensuring that every individual, regardless of background, has access to the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. The inclusive nature of these programmes helps build a diverse workforce that reflects the vast potential of India’s talent pool.
A Collaborative Future: Corporate Partnerships for Skill Development
Collaborations between corporates and government organisations are playing a vital role in scaling up India’s skill development programmes. NSDC’s partnerships with corporates like Coca-Cola, Reliance Foundation, and Britannia have significantly contributed to creating targeted training programmes, internships, and job placements for marginalised communities. These partnerships are not only transforming individual lives but also driving social change at a broader level, particularly in rural areas where such interventions are needed most.
Laying the Foundation for a Skilled India
India’s future as a global leader in the digital and tech-driven economy depends on the efforts made today to upskill its workforce. The combined initiatives of Mphasis, Nasscom Foundation, and NSDC are more than just interventions; they are long-term investments in the nation’s human capital. By addressing key issues like gender equality, digital literacy, and inclusion, these organisations are fostering an ecosystem where every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.
The road ahead may be challenging, but with these corporates leading the way, India is well on its way to bridging its skill gap and building a future-ready, inclusive workforce that can power the country to new heights on the global stage.
Show Less
Development Through Skills: NGOs Transforming India’s Future
Harnessing Youth Potential: With a median age of just 28, India’s young demographic is a double-edged sword. Although this offers a vast workforce, many young individuals lack the skills necessary for today’s job market. Addressing this gap is imperative, and organizations like Don Bosco Tech (DB Tech) are stepping up. Founded in 2006, DB Tech operates over 330 skill training centers across 28 states, focusing on vocational education for marginalized youth. The NGO’s mission is to equip young people with both technical and soft skills needed for meaningful employment.
A hallmark of DB Tech’s approach is its commitment to inclusivity. Training programs are culturally sensitive, delivered in local languages, and tailored to regional customs. This ensures that even the most isolated communities gain access to these valuable resources. DB Tech places a significant emphasis on social inclusion, prioritizing women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. By engaging local leaders and communities, the organization ensures its programs remain relevant and effective.
DB Tech’s strength lies in its alignment with local job markets. Strong ties with local businesses ensure that the skills taught are in demand. The organization also fosters entrepreneurship, providing young people with the knowledge and tools to launch their ventures. Through hands-on workshops, internships, and community engagement, DB Tech empowers youth to devise solutions to local challenges.
Show More
The BASE (Bosco Academy for Skilling and Employment) model combines industry partnerships with customized curricula, ensuring high-quality training. With digital tools and standardized processes, DB Tech has scaled its operations effectively, training over 462,984 youth and achieving a 70% employment rate. By offering training in 106 National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)-aligned roles, DB Tech ensures its programs are comprehensive and easily implementable across regions.
Empowering Rural Communities: While many NGOs focus on urban areas, the Development Research Communication and Services Centre (DRCSC) is committed to uplifting rural India through sustainable agriculture and skill development. Established in 1982 in Kolkata, DRCSC aims to enhance food and livelihood security for the rural poor by promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
DRCSC encourages organic farming through methods like mixed cropping and agroforestry, enhancing soil fertility while reducing dependency on chemicals. By providing farmers with knowledge and tools to boost productivity, the organization fosters sustainable livelihoods. Training programs range from Medium Duration Courses in sustainable agriculture to Short Duration Courses in organic gardening and mushroom cultivation, equipping farmers to diversify their income and adapt to economic challenges.
A significant aspect of DRCSC’s work is its focus on climate-smart agriculture. The organization trains farmers in techniques to combat climate variability, such as growing drought-resistant crops and implementing rainwater harvesting. By fostering small-scale enterprises and facilitating access to markets, DRCSC enhances farmers’ income potential and economic security.
Empowering women is a priority for DRCSC. By training women in skills like nutrition gardening and cooperative management, the organization increases female participation in agriculture and income generation. This not only enhances family welfare but also promotes gender equity within rural communities.
To optimize productivity, DRCSC provides training in the use of modern agricultural technologies. Innovations like solar-powered irrigation systems help reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, making farming more viable. Furthermore, the organization emphasizes food security, encouraging nutrition gardens and multi-cropping systems that enhance household nutrition.
DRCSC also trains farmers in cooperative marketing and supply chain management, enabling them to negotiate better prices and improve economic standing. By promoting local food production and seed-saving practices, the organization strengthens community resilience, particularly critical in times of crisis.
Promoting Micro-Enterprises in India’s Northeast: Aide et Action (AEA), founded in 1981, has been working in India’s Northeast to promote sustainable development and livelihood opportunities. Operating in Assam and Meghalaya, AEA focuses on education, lifelong learning, and livelihood education to foster dignity and opportunity.
With around 175 staff members, AEA directly impacts approximately 60,000 households and over 100,000 students. The organization provides vocational training in areas like beauty and wellness, fashion design, and electrical repair. AEA not only prepares youth for jobs but also cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, fostering micro-enterprises that contribute to community development.
To ensure the sustainability of these ventures, AEA offers support in business plan development, compliance, and access to credit. By guiding young entrepreneurs in navigating government resources, AEA empowers them to capitalize on opportunities.
A key strategy of AEA is the formation of Alumni Associations, which unite young entrepreneurs to collectively address challenges and share resources. To date, AEA has trained 4,502 youth, with 1,830 becoming self-employed and 371 establishing micro-enterprises. Additionally, 6,096 members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have received training, with many reporting significant income increases.
Through innovative and inclusive skill development programs, NGOs like Don Bosco Tech, DRCSC, and Aide et Action are transforming lives across India. Their efforts not only create employment opportunities but also foster entrepreneurship and sustainability, contributing to the nation’s long-term resilience. As the demand for skilled labor continues to rise, these organizations are well-positioned to drive positive change and build a more equitable future for India.
Show Less
India Wins 16 Medals and Medallions of Excellence at WorldSkills Lyon 2024
India has achieved an impressive feat at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon, France, securing four prestigious Bronze medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence. The Bronze medals were awarded in Patisserie and Confectionery (Ashwitha Police), Industry 4.0 (Dhrumilkumar Dhirendrakumar Gandhi and Sathyajith Balakrishnan), Hotel Reception (Joethir Adithya Krishnapriya Ravikumar), and Renewable Energy (Amaresh Kumar Sahu). These accolades reflect the exceptional talents of the Indian delegation, further highlighted by their 12 Medallions of Excellence across various trades.
The Medallions of Excellence underscore India’s growing prowess in both traditional and emerging skills, ranging from Mechatronics and Cybersecurity to Jewellery and Beauty Therapy. The recognition extends to innovation-driven fields such as Additive Manufacturing and Web Technology, as well as craftsmanship in areas like Cabinet Making and Cooking. These achievements reaffirm India’s leadership in key global industries, emphasising the country’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological expertise on the world stage.
WorldSkills Lyon 2024 featured over 1,400 participants from more than 70 countries, with Indian competitors standing strong among the best. India competed in 52 skills against nations such as China, Japan, Korea, Germany, Brazil, the USA, and others, showcasing their talent and innovation in front of a global audience.
Show More
Tata Skill Development Centres Launched in Delhi and Bengaluru in Partnership with Tata STRIVE and Airbus
Tata Skill Development Centres Launched in Delhi and Bengaluru in Partnership with Tata STRIVE and Airbus
Show Less