As ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ envisions a completely developed nation by the 100th year of India’s independence, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) aims to foster a dynamic workforce in an ever-evolving economy. To cater to this, the Ministry has laid out a roadmap where trainers from short-term and long-term skilling ecosystems will be equipped with the right skills and technology to help learners participate in the future market.
The MSDE’s partner, Future Right Skills Network (FRSN) has drafted the “Trainer Development Strategy for the Skilling Ecosystem” which lays out a framework and guidelines for the development of the 21st century educator. It recommends that trainers integrate digital blended content into classroom learning using digital tools and resources.
The drafting of the trainer development strategy has been facilitated by Quest Alliance and supported by FRSN, a collaboration between Accenture, Cisco, J.P. Morgan, and SAP. The initiative aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of nationwide trainers across sectors for long-term skilling. Additionally, the mentioned strategies will address the gaps in staffing and training capacity and; the shortage of qualified trainers in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector which impacts the quality and effectiveness of skill development programs and reduces attrition of qualified trainers due to irregular employment, limited career advancement opportunities, and low pay. Moreover, the document also gives strategies to improve the efficiency of existing trainers through recognition, performance evaluation, motivation, and up-skilling.
In the Foreword of the Trainer Development Strategy for the Skilling Ecosystem, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, mentioned that as the ITI system evolves as per the needs of the new age economy and the latest technology in the industrial sector, the aspect of career progression, motivation, and acquaintance of ITI trainers with the latest developments is of utmost significance to create and reinforce a vibrant skilling environment at ITIs. He highlighted that the absolute demand and quality of trainers required for short-duration government-sponsored skill programs has increased significantly as these programs expand in scope and coverage and increasingly cater to futuristic job roles.
In the Foreword he also highlighted that the ‘Trainer Development Strategy for the Skilling Ecosystem – framework and guidelines’ is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Government, Industry and Academia which will pave the way for a stronger skilling ecosystem with a holistic approach to trainer development. With the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in its tenth year, it is important to focus on the potential areas of development as much as it is important to relive the achievements, he added. He also wrote that the efforts of the Ministry will strengthen the ecosystem further.
The recommendations will be validated in different Indian states to gather the responses of trainers, learners, and other stakeholders of the skilling ecosystem before its large-scale implementation.
Adding to that Shri Aakash Sethi, CEO, Quest Alliance, said that by integrating digital content and resources into classroom learning, India’s workforce is equipped with the skills required to thrive in the 21st-century economy. This initiative will pave the way for a more dynamic and efficient skilling ecosystem in India, he added. Shri Sethi also said that trainers must be prepared and ahead of industry trends to effectively equip the workforce with the skills needed to meet industry demands.
