• ASDC Facebook
  • ASDC Twitter
  • ASDC Youtube
  • ASDC Linkedin
  • ASDC Instagram
  • Comments (0)

  • Jul 20, 2021

  • Views (1173)

Going Beyond Borders: How Participation in International Skilling Ecosystem Is Essential for India

What the Indian economy is experiencing currently is one of the major transformations in history, and it aims to evolve further towards bringing the country into becoming the next skill capital of the world. However, as structural, demographic, and technological shifts continue to transform the economy, and with that, the nature of work in various sectors, fresh recruits of working age (15-59 years) joining the labour force will require to be trained efficiently in skills fitting the future job profiles. As a matter of fact, the country’s demographic dividend is one of its unique advantages, and India is quick at planning ahead, and have already put adequate strategies at place, for reskilling and increasing the skills of the current workforce, as well as formal recognition of informally acquired skills. However, if our goal is to transform into an international skills hub, there is definitely room for development on the international skill development front.

The Global Outlook: A need of the hour

Honestly, the further we proceed to score our country’s position in the new world order that is taking shape, the clearer it gets for us how participating in the international skilling ecosystem has become the need of the hour. With around 10 to 12 million youth joining the workforce every year, there is clear need for us to focus on training and skilling them, keeping international placements in mind, for a global exposure. It is not just beneficial for the host country, but for the domestic economy, as well. Apart from the current pandemic leading to a great demand for healthcare professionals, in many other trades such as automotive, oil and gas, construction, diamond processing and Information Technology (IT), too, India has the advantage of skilling its youth for the global market.

In fact, if we have to go by the reports, we can observe an evident demand for skilled talent from a considerable number of nations, including many Scandinavian countries, like Russia, Italy, Germany and even East European nations like Romania. A lot of these countries even have State-supported programmes in place, to attract international talent. And, apparently, Indian talent has one of the biggest appeal in almost anywhere they go, across sector

Plan of Action: Breaking Barriers

Speaking of, we need to start with a thorough understanding of the Indian talent space, in order to engage with the global customers, looking for talent similar to that which is available in the Indian landscape, and connect. The world is full of opportunities for the India talent market, but mostly unknown to the talent market down here due to the lack of a formal route for collaboration between global employers and Indian talent, so far. A genuine connection has to be established between the talent space and the businesses, which can be achieved through breaking of barriers in international labour supply, to ensure hassle-free movement of talent. The free movement of Indian talent in global workplaces will greatly enable the country to take advantage of its demographic dividend and claim its rightful place, as the Skill Capital of the world.

In order to break all barriers, as well as to materialize the Government of India’s vision to transforming India into the Global Skill Capital, the country has been actively participating in various Government to Government (G2G) arrangements, like the one with Japan. Both the nations have signed MoUs between the for Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW program), which will enhance international employment opportunities for skilled workforce willing to work abroad.

However, there still stands a concrete requirement for recognition of domestic skills in the international markets, in order to further enhance chances of international placements of Indian talent. For which the country has taken initiatives to facilitate international recognition to the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and the skills acquired through their certification programs. If necessary, special modules should be introduced for training of youth to bridge the difference, and meet the assessment and certification framework of the international markets.

This step will be closely followed by the mandate to get NSQF level certification, for the ones aspiring to venture out in the world for jobs. Especially because, among the countries, the UAE has also signed a G2G level MoU to enhance cooperation and recognition of qualifications, assessments and certification. The Skill Verification Program (SVP), of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will only issue visa to the ones possessing valid NSQF Certificate from either NSDC or ASDC, and will be allowed to work in the country.

The Indian Auto Sector

The automotive sector has shown record growth on a global scale, with focus on sustainable ways of transport. Therefore, it has huge skilling and recruitment potential. With the advent of new generation technologies, the industry needs to quickly come together and create collaborative learning ecosystems and develop workforce re-training programs across organisation levels to be future ready for the new job roles. Today emerging automotive technologies require a workforce which is no longer only about manual dexterity or processing input for a pre-defined output, but is also entrepreneurial and highly innovative. Going forward, amidst the changing industry dynamics and modified strategies, getting the right people in place tooled with emerging skills will be the key towards balancing global standards and local expectations.

How ASDC is foraying into the same?

ASDC has been the trailblazer in Indian Skill Councils - it was the first to be set up in India as an SSC, and has since many firsts - like first to create competency standards, first to participate in India's School Vocationalisation Project etc. Now ASDC has embarked on another pioneering initiative. In association with Magic Billion, which is a leading International Skill Centre under Skill India Program, ASDC is sending five Automotive Service Technician candidates to Germany. This is aligned with the PM’s vision of "Making India the Skill Capital of the World." ASDC has joined hands with Magic Billions for this project, as part of their shared vision of building a sustainable skilling ecosystem in the automotive industry. With all the new-age vehicles technologically more advanced, connected and smart, it calls for an entirely new set of skills and knowledge to drive the industry growth and its complete value-chain. Through this collaboration with Magic Billion, ASDC aims to contribute, positively to build India’s competitiveness by enhancing employability within India as well as in other countries. The organization would also support in providing World Class Technical Training to these candidates before they depart for Germany. 

These candidates come from diverse backgrounds, but have one common ambition - to make it big in the world, and to demonstrate that Indian Professionals are among the best in the World. From back of the beyond sleepy villages in Kerala, they are now on a journey to Germany - the world's manufacturing hub, for long term careers. This Project also demonstrates that ASDC, along with Magic Billion, are creating career pathways for professionals in Automotive Sector, by initially training them on Indian Qualifications and then sending the best to global careers.

Comments (0)
Leave A Comment: