As many as 95 per cent of India’s labour force do not possess formal vocational skills, while 91 per cent feel threatened that their skills will become obsolete in the next five years, says a global study.
The study conducted on 8,000 employees spanning across India, the United Kingdom, the United States and South Africa by City & Guilds Group noted that only 14 per cent of employees think their company’s learning and development initiatives are aligned to business goals. It measures the confidence levels of the working population with reference to their skills and jobs today. It examines the role of vocational training and skill development and its impact on their professional performances.
Most prefer learning on the job
According to the report, 96 per cent of respondents in India agree there is a need for formal skills training and almost 79 per cent prefer learning on the job, 66 per cent rate online and e-learning, and 54 per cent prefer learning from colleagues.
The Indian government has over 70 schemes for skill development including Skill India, amongst others. Over 90 per cent of the workforce agrees that programmes like Skill India will provide the next generation with the right set of skills to support India’s growing economy.
Besides, 46 per cent of Indians and 45 per cent of South African respondents believe that working in a multinational environment is a key skill for their future career, vis-à-vis 21 per cent of U.K. and 25 per cent of U.S. respondents.
Research conducted by Censuswide
The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2,055 respondents in India, including 272 CEOs/Senior leaders, 532 middle managers, and 1,251 general employees during May 2016.
