- jaro education
- 24, February 2024
- 10:00 am
As you progress toward a new job or career path, focus on essential skills is equally important as having the right education and work experience. These skills, especially related to the workplace and interpersonal interactions, are crucial.
Surveys and studies consistently show that employers in 2024 prioritize these skills. According to a LinkedIn study on learning and development, 64% of professionals in this field plan to help their current employees learn new skills to keep up with changing job requirements.
The development of skills is thus a fundamental aspect of preparing oneself for a career and fostering personal growth. Adding those skills to your resume will grab the attention of employers and make your position firm. This blog will elaborate on the essentials of skill development, provide guidance on initiating the process, and offer insights on how to articulate these skills on your resume.
What is Skill Development
Skill development is the process that involves enhancing specific abilities to increase efficiency and effectiveness in task performance. In professional settings, three primary types of skill development exist:
Upskilling: Enhancing proficiency in existing job responsibilities.
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Cross-skilling: Acquiring new skills relevant to one’s current role.
Reskilling: Learning novel skills to transition into a different job role.
It’s not mandatory to participate in a workplace initiative for skill development. Whether you are a college student pursuing a degree, dissatisfied with your current job, aiming for a position in a new company, or aspiring for a promotion, you can independently foster skill growth. Additionally, personal motivations, such as boosting confidence or refining a cherished hobby, are valid reasons to invest in skill development.
Benefits of Skill Development
Recognizing that knowledge alone doesn’t ensure skill acquisition; implementation and application are essential. While theoretical knowledge provides a conceptual framework, practical knowledge offers real-world exposure, allowing the construction of a purposeful life.
Skill development offers numerous benefits:
Fosters Self-awareness
Initiating skill development involves assessing the disparity between the present and desired future situations and helps in finding strong points and areas needing improvement. In busy lives, self-reflection is often neglected, making skill development a valuable tool for heightened self-awareness.
Drives Career Progression
Devoting time to refine skills contributes to achieving personal career objectives, such as securing a promotion or becoming an expert in a specific area. You can use these skills in your current job or learn more to qualify for jobs in other fields or industries.
Provides a Competitive Edge
Continuous skill development is crucial to thriving amid changes in industries, rules, and regulations. Staying abreast of these changes is vital for sustained success, making skill development an indispensable aspect of professional growth.
Enhances Productivity and Morale
Skill development plays a pivotal role in boosting confidence and eliminating self-doubt. Elevated motivation levels lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness, resulting in heightened job satisfaction.
*selecthub.com
Why Skill Development is Important in India
The developmental trajectory of a nation heavily relies on the youth of India, constituting a pivotal force. Armed with appropriate skills and effective training, young Indians possess the potential to significantly contribute to the economic growth of their country. However, there is a growing apprehension regarding the insufficient progress in skill development among Indian youth. Here are some reasons highlighting the significance of skill development for the youth in India:
1. The 21st century is characterized by the prominence of skilled individuals. In the context of a globalized economy, India’s ability to compete with developed nations hinges on having a skilled workforce. Unfortunately, our education system has not adapted swiftly enough to the evolving demands, resulting in the production of graduates who lack employability skills.
2. This is where the importance of skill development becomes apparent. By imparting the necessary skills to our youth, we can enhance their employability, preparing them to navigate the challenges of the global economy. Furthermore, the increasing demand for skilled workers within the country, driven by economic growth and the establishment of more companies in India, underscores the domestic relevance of skill development.
3. Consequently, the significance of skill development for Indian youth is undeniable. It not only enhances their prospects for success in their careers but also contributes to the overall economic advancement of the nation.
Government Initiatives for Skill Development
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Launched in 2015, the flagship PMKVY scheme is designed to offer short-term training, skill development through ITIs, and apprenticeship programs. Since its inception, the government has successfully trained over 10 million individuals through this initiative.
- SANKALP and STRIVE: Complementing PMKVY, the SANKALP program targets district-level skilling ecosystems, while the STRIVE project aims to enhance the performance of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), both constituting significant interventions in the skilling landscape.
- Cross-Ministry Initiatives: Approximately 40 skill development programs, spearheaded by 20 central ministries/departments, have been implemented. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship alone has contributed to 55% of the overall skilling achievements. These initiatives collectively have trained nearly four crore individuals in various traditional skills programs since 2015.
- CSR Expenditure in Skilling: Since the enactment of mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending under the Companies Act, 2013, Indian corporations have invested over ₹100,000 crores in diverse social projects. Of this, approximately ₹6,877 crores have been allocated to skilling and livelihood enhancement projects, with Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, and Gu