Use UTCs to prepare India's workforce for the future

University Technical Colleges in partnership with industry could address skilling gaps

- SUDIPTO MUNDLE

The paradox of high growth of unemployment alongside rapid economic growth is one of India's most urgent challenges. Some large employment-intensive and fast-growing sectors like construction, garments, transportation, etc., will help make growth more labor-intensive. However, this can only be a short-run holding operation at best. Most jobs offered in these sectors would be low-skilled, low-paid jobs. It would match the low-skill profile of most entrants to the workforce. Over half of them are not employable, according to employers' organizations. Less than 5% have any certified skills compared to over 70% in most European countries and over 90% in some East Asian economies. This skill profile cannot be changed overnight. But these are not the kinds of jobs young workers aspire to. Nor is this the workforce we need. In the 21st century, control of emerging technologies and a suitably skilled workforce will be the key determinants of which countries remain competitive and prosperous.

Unfortunately, our numerous skilling programmes have had little impact on actual employment. We need disruptive change and an altogether different approach to prepare India's workforce for the 21st century. In proposing an approach similar to successful technical schools in Germany and University Technical Colleges (UTCs) in the UK, I have drawn on David Harbourne's recent work on the subject.