Student Mobilisation Challenges for Skill Development in India 2014

The National Skill Development Agency of India has released a new report by LeapRidge. The study is designed to understand the approach of candidates and their parents to skill development programs and the mobilization efforts associated with them.

The study was conducted through a series Focus Group Discussion’s (FGD’s) and Personal Interviews with skilled/unskilled youth, parents, trainers, and NGOs in the districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh – a rural agrarian region and Tamil Nadu- a comparatively industrial region.

STUDENT MOBILISATION CHALLENGES FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA 2014

Download the pdf, ppt file at the link below:

India-Study-mobilization-students-skills-2014.pdf

Key findings

• Students and parents prefer part-time and on-the-job training as compared to full-time courses as it provides them an opportunity to earn while they learn.
• Students and parents in Eastern UP and TN prefer Govt. jobs over Pvt sector opportunities, surprisingly this preference is much stronger in TN as compared to eastern UP.
• Students in Eastern UP are strongly inclined towards white-collar service and blue-collar manufacturing jobs.
• Lack of basic infrastructure, training facilities, and a sense of social disapproval are key challenges for women attending skill training courses in rural UP.
• The preference towards “softer skills” is prominent amongst the women students in UP as compared to TN.
• The introduction of micro duration courses and the inclusion of English speaking and personality development modules will increase the attractiveness of skill programs amongst students.
• Lack of awareness is partly responsible for poor mobilization – public meetings, televisions, pamphlets & mobile SMS are the effective means of reaching out to students in rural UP & TN.
• Word of mouth endorsement is critical – advice from parents and testimonials from successful students are the biggest influencers for students while deciding on skill training institutions and courses.
• State intervention in terms of fee subsidies, scholarships, and placement assistance will act as a catalyst towards student mobilization in UP.