Employability Demands Relevant, Adaptable And Industry-Specific Skills

The debate on skill versus employability has been going on for a long time. In this backdrop, a number of experienced teachers, Principals and Education experts got together to share their views and experiences as part of a lively panel discussion in the 'School Education Event' here in the capital. 

What is the role of school education – to impart education or to make students skillful and ready for employment?

Alankrit V Arora, Chief Business Officer, American International School, Chennai, pointed out that the industry at large does not care about the number of degrees or qualifications a student possesses. “They are going to do a real-time test and decide accordingly,” said Arora while participating in a panel discussion on the subject as part of School Education events held in the capital on February 19.

What is the role and duty of teachers today? 

Continuing the discussion, Indu Khetrapal, Principal, Salwan Public School pointed to the key question of being relevant in this rapidly changing ecosystem. “As educators and as teachers it is important to question whether we are relevant and whether we are able to impart the right skills to students,” she said.

From relevance to the need of increasing the 'human touch' in education. Kavita C. Das, Principal, St. John's School, Chandigarh pointed out to technologies like Artificial Intelligence making its hold in her town, which is much smaller than the metros. “There is a need to bring to the fore good human beings who have the skills to manage and adapt. It is not the technological advancements but the confidence to get ahead in life is more critical,” Das said adding that the confidence would only come from a skilled teacher. 

But then there could be another dimension to the discussion as pointed out by Neeru M. Parti. Confidence or not, employability is about skills, attitude and aptitude, said Neeru Madhuri Parti, Head, Lakshmipat Singhania Education Foundation emphasizing that the key value of education is to make one employable and thus complementing the entire economy.

Navneel Maji

BW Reporters The author is Jr Copy Editor with BW Businessworld