By -Prof. (Dr.) Padmakali Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, IILM University

It’s been over a decade that educational institutions and government agencies, among others are emphasising the need for skills application in higher education. In the current competitive environment, it is imperative to invoke industry-relevant, skills-based education to nurture future-ready university students.

Many IT companies have shown their inability to fill vacant positions citing the lack of new skills in youth. Therefore, it’s time we prioritise skills-based applications and experiential learning in higher education institutions (HEIs). Technology can provide interactive and engaging platforms that supplement traditional teaching methods, contributing to a more immersive and effective learning experience.

It is proven that we learn faster from doing than just learning theoretical aspects. In the past, universities and HEIs have largely depended on classroom lectures among traditional delivery methods. Employers now seek professionals who can apply knowledge in real life situations, resolve complex issues and are adaptive to technology and changing times. In this changing scenario, universities will need to integrate skills application into their curricula.

There are various ways through which HEIs need to adopt skill applications to prepare students for the real challenges in their professional life.

Accessibility and flexibility. Technology is growing at breakneck speed. Whether it’s AI or any other technology, students need to be aware of their appropriate utilisation, value and ethics. AI is an amazing tool that can enhance skilling, reskilling and upskilling. Its easy accessibility in all technical applications makes it alluring and inevitable. AI is a force multiplier that can augment human intelligence and not replace it. Technology enables students to access learning resources anytime, anywhere.

Real-world simulation. Just as HEIs are knowledge givers, industries are job givers. People from the industry are aware of day-to-day challenges faced by them which, a student sitting in a classroom will never realise. Therefore, a regular interface between academia and industry can fill this gap. Collaboration between academia and industry facilitating students’ real-time training at workplaces and regular updates is necessary for them to understand workplace challenges. Academia has the tool of research and innovation which can interest and benefit industry. Similarly, industry has the experience in real-life challenges which can benefit academia in their future targets and goals.

Scalability and project-based learning. A simulation of professional life and its challenges is possible only through project-based learning. Students should be encouraged to conduct real-time research, independently solve problems, and collaborate with professionals and present findings for getting practical exposure of the profession they want to pursue. Online platforms and tools can provide scalability facilitating personalised learning experiences.

Need for people management skills. Astute professionals require interpersonal, communication, and soft skills. The onus of equipping students with these skills also lies with HEIs to be successful in their respective professions.

India has gained the attention of the world because of its demographic dividend by virtue of being the nation with the largest youth population. People worldwide look at India with great promise. We have proved it several times that we host the most talented work force. It is appalling that there are jobs but no proficient takers. We are not able to produce employable professionals in sufficient numbers to fill vacant positions. HEIs have the responsibility to bridge this gap by imparting skills education to youth for enhancing employability.

India is a fast-moving developing nation. Now it also holds the distinction of being the most populous nation in the world. Although many may see it as a problem, human resources are the first and foremost resources for any development. Our youth, although an asset, remains largely unemployed. HEIs can play a pivotal role to channel the effervescent energy of our youth by skilling them. We know the problem and need effective solutions. Now is the time to rise to the occasion and show due diligence and sincerity to the youth of our nation and give them the most effective tool of all times — ‘future skills’.