Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment.

1. Foundation of Knowledge:

• Education: Provides a foundational knowledge base, cognitive skills, and critical thinking abilities. It sets the stage for individuals to understand and absorb more complex tasks.
• Skill Development: Builds on this foundation, turning general knowledge into specific competencies that can be directly applied in the workplace.
• Employment: An educated mind, when paired with specific skills, is better positioned to excel in employment, adapt to changing job requirements, and contribute innovatively.

2. Employability:

• Education: While a basic education might make one literate, it doesn’t necessarily make them employable in specialized fields.
• Skill Development: Enhances employability by providing hands-on training and industry-relevant skills.
• Employment: Modern sectors and industries demand specialized skills, which is why skill development is crucial for employment in various sectors.

3. Evolution of Job Market:

• Education: Traditional education systems may not always keep pace with the rapidly changing job market.
• Skill Development: Acts as a bridge, updating and upgrading the skills of individuals to match the current demands of the job market.
• Employment: A dynamically evolving job market needs a continuously upskilled workforce.

4. Economic Productivity and Growth:

• Education: Raises cognitive abilities and fosters innovation.
• Skill Development: Improves workforce efficiency and productivity.
• Employment: An educated and skilled workforce contributes significantly to economic growth, with higher productivity rates and innovative contributions.

5. Addressing Mismatch:

• Education: Many times, individuals have degrees but lack relevant skills for the jobs available.
• Skill Development: Addresses this mismatch by offering industry-relevant training.
• Employment: The mismatch is one of the significant reasons for unemployment among educated youth. Skill development aids in reducing this.

Examples and Facts:

1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) (India): Launched in 2015, this flagship initiative aimed to train over 10 million youth in various industry-relevant skills. As of 2020, millions have been trained under PMKVY, enhancing their employability.
2. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) (India): A public-private partnership initiative, it has partnered with multiple industries and institutions, trained millions, and created a significant impact on the employability of Indian youth.
3. Global Perspective: According to a report by the World Economic Forum, by 2022, no less than 54% of all employees will require significant re- and upskilling because of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. This highlights the essential linkage between skill development and employment in a rapidly evolving global job market.
4. Mismatch in Education and Employment: According to a report by the Center for Sustainable Employment, Azim Premji University, India, as of 2020, around 20% of young Indians (age 20-24) with bachelor’s degrees and above were unemployed. This underscores the critical need for skill development to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Conclusion:

Skill development programs play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between formal education and employment opportunities. In an era of rapid technological change and evolving industry demands, the synergies between education, skill development, and employment are more crucial than ever. It is these interlinkages that will determine the quality and preparedness of the human resource supply to various sectors and, consequently, the socio-economic progress of nations.