Most developing countries including India have a high rate of unemployment among the youth. One of the major deterrents to employment is the shortage of skilled manpower. In order to address this pressing issue, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has prompted educational institutions to introduce vocational training at the school level. This is a welcome move as vocational education plays an important role in bridging the gap between supply and demand of skilled manpower.

There are several myths associated with Vocational Training. It is considered as a poor cousin of mainstream education. There is very little acceptance of vocational education as a career choice. Students believe that these courses are a last resort and the opportunities for growth are limited. The scenario is different in developed countries. 75% of students who complete compulsory schooling in Sweden enter a vocational track.In Japan, the strong tradition of 'life-long employment' is found in many large companies. They invest a significant proportion of their budget for training the workforce. Over two-thirds of the vocational training in Japan is provided by the industry itself.

Many students drop out of school after Class 10 due to reasons such as financial constraints, failure to clear exams, lack of interest in academics etc. The Government of India has launched the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to provide industry related skills training. The scheme is being implemented through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Training partners of NSDC and private Vocational Training institutes across India offer a wide variety of courses from apparel and jewellery design to ITI courses such as, welding, refrigeration & air conditioning. The courses are highly subsidized,hands-on, short term in nature and enable self-employment. On course completion, the students are either placed in jobs or provided placement assistance.

Vocational Training servesas a great alternative for those who want to learn and cannot afford to invest three or four years to earn a university degree. Prior to the introduction of NEP, many corporates have been promoting job readiness by imparting skills that are relevant to their industry. Larsen & Toubro, Asian Paints, Godrej Appliances, Bosch and many other reputed companies offer job-oriented courses at their training centres.

Vocational courses are not necessarily meant for students who are discontinuing their formal education. They can be pursued by anyone who wishes to acquire skills in their area of interest. Public speaking, creative writing, baking, chocolate making, website design, desktop publishing, terrace gardening, photography, stock market basics, CAD etc. can equip you with additional skills and supplement learning. Students who wish to pursue an overseas education can benefit by enrolling in a foreign language course.

With an objective of imparting skills-based education and providing flexible options for learning, the University Grants Commission (UGC) launched a higher education scheme leading to Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.) Degree with multiple exits such as Diploma (after completion of 1 year) /Advanced Diploma (after 2 years)/ B.Voc degree (after successful completion) under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). B.Voc. courses in Visual Media & Filmmaking, Data Science & Analytics, Interior Design, Banking & Finance etc. are offered in several colleges. The curriculum is a mix of general education and skill development components. B.Voc. courses are open to students who have completed 10+2 education from any stream.

In a rapidly changing world there is a constant need for employees to upgrade their skills in order to remain competitive and efficient. Here again, vocational training provides a solution with flexible learning opportunities.India has a rote-learning education system with a focus on theoretical learning. Vocational courses can give you an edge in an extremely competitive job market. A combination of mainstream education and vocational training will lay the perfect foundation for a better future.