Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest call to expedite upskilling and reskilling in the face of changing technology has again brought the spotlight on the need to meet the skill deficit in the pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Emphasizing the term indicating the efforts towards economic growth during and after the pandemic, Modi has yet again stressed the need to stay updated and relevant during his address at the World Youth Skills Day observed on July 15.
“Learning should not stop with earning. Only a skilled person will grow in today’s world. This applies to both people and countries. This needs to be expedited as there is going to be a huge demand for re-skilling due to fast-changing technology,” he said.
The call is relevant and timely as data from ILO shows an increase in the skill deficit, which is likely to reach 29 million by 2030. Moreover, more than 50 percent of businesses in India find it difficult to identify people with the right set of skills. Lack of skills is a barrier in the path of self-reliance and the target of a $5 trillion economy.
Avtar Group’s vision towards a gender-balanced workforce is propelled by the belief that women must reskill and upskill themselves to keep up with the needs of their fields— technically and strategically. When women, who drop out of the workforce due to marriage and motherhood, decide to get back to work, they face a challenge due to skill deficit. Through its research, Avtar has also established that building strategic skills can make them career intentional.
So, it is not just the youth but also mid-career women that need to focus on the skills, as per the Career Intentionality research. The research found out that certain skill sets are critical at the mid-career stage for women. When women are made deeply aware of these skills and intentionally apply them, they transform their mindsets, habits, and results. The Intentional Career Pathing (ICP) program by Avtar conducted across companies has helped women equip with the skill set required to achieve their career aspirations.
