World Youth Skills Day: How To Stay Relevant In Dynamic Job Market

Today on 15th July 2023, the world is celebrating 'World Youth Skills Day', declared by the United Nations in 2014. The theme for this year is 'Skilling Teachers, Trainers and Youth for a Transformative Future'. The initiative is one of the key steps taken by the UN to draw the attention of youths toward upskilling and reskilling themselves so they can stay relevant in the evolving job market for a longer time. 

BW Education spoke with several known industry leaders who are trainers, guides and founders of reputed institutions, to bring to you insightful thoughts from them. 

Bindu Ajit, Program Dean, Biocon Academy, highlighted the importance of training trainers. He said, “Companies look for candidates with high-quality technical as well as soft skills in addition to educational qualifications. We believe that the faculty should act as a catalyst between students and the biopharma industry. Hence training the trainers is an essential component of the overall campus-to-corporate process. If the faculty is trained to focus on industry needs, they can guide students toward acquiring knowledge and skills and towards a successful career.” 

She advised students that to keep upgrading themselves, it is very essential for teachers, trainers, educators or faculty members to ensure they are not only updated with subject knowledge, but also with techniques, processes and industry practices.

While Manish Madaan, Registrar, UPES spoke on the role of universities in making youths skillful. According to Madaan, universities have a crucial role to play in guiding students toward building successful careers. "By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, universities can empower graduates to proactively seek new knowledge and experiences. Offering access to resources like online courses and professional development programs, universities enable graduates to stay ahead of the curve," he believes. "Practical learning opportunities, such as internships and industry collaborations, can also help young professionals to gain both theoretical and practical experience, enhancing employability and providing valuable insights," says Madaan.

“By leveraging alumni networks, students must connect with successful professionals who can guide them towards fulfilling careers. Ultimately, it's a joint effort between students, universities and industry to connect, collaborate and build a better nation," he adds.   

The dynamic and changing nature of today’s job market is a major challenge youth are facing today. On this, Mona Puri, Executive Director  - HR, India & APAC, Parexel, has a view that to adapt to this changing environment, in some cases, skill development may take precedence over formal schooling. "Due to the rapid rate of technological innovation and digitisation, one must constantly upskill and reskill in order to remain relevant," Puri states.

He further adds, “Vocational skills are frequently acquired in India through short-term training outside of the formal educational system. While some occupations, such as medicine and allied sciences, necessitate degrees that include extensive practical training. There are many other jobs that require just degree requirements according to the sector. Partnerships between industry and academia provide strong bridging support to fill the gaps between formal education and changing organisational requirements.”

To Manvendra Shukul, CEO, Lakshya Digital and Governing Member, Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), being a creative person is important if you are looking for a good career in the gaming industry. He suggested, “Aspiring professionals in the game art and animation industry should immerse themselves in the realm of digital creativity by acquiring technical expertise. They should stay updated on emerging trends like augmented and virtual reality, and real-time rendering, as they shape the industry's future." "These acquired skills will help them build a robust portfolio that showcases their talent and personal projects, collaborations, and competitions. In addition to this, young professionals also need to actively network with industry professionals through conferences and events, seeking mentorship opportunities that can unlock new career prospects,” he adds.

Ayesha Katgara, Head Corporate Strategy, Jeena & Company, emphasises adopting the attitude of lifelong learning, She said, "Firstly, it is crucial to prioritise lifelong learning in order to stay relevant in any industry.Continuously keeping up with industry trends and emerging technologies are key elements for success."

“While new technologies are significant, it is equally important to acknowledge the valuable practical knowledge passed down from previous generations. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions provides hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to learn from experienced professionals. Developing essential soft skills, including effective communication, strong teamwork and exceptional leadership abilities, is vital for professional growth,” she advises. 

Rahul Attuluri, Co-Founder and CEO, NxtWave, expressed his views with these words, "India is a nation of youth. With an IT industry racing towards threefold growth this decade, our country is set for a giant leap of progress. In this fourth Industrial Revolution, India can have an unparalleled advantage on the global stage, provided we upskill our youth and channel them toward these opportunities. At NxtWave, we're committed to making this happen by equipping our youth with in-demand technology skills."