Imparting Skills for Inclusive and Sustainable Development: An Open Schooling Perspective

Abstract

Despite the emphatic stress laid on vocational education and training in India, there is still a shortage of skilled workforce to address the mounting needs and demands of the national economy. It is estimated that only 2.2% workforce in India has undergone formal skill training while only 8.0% non-formal training. // National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) being a National Board may be the game changer by reaching to the unreached and skilling India by offering demand-driven market-oriented vocational courses. The paper analyzed the data of number of registered candidates for vocational courses of NIOS in past 5 years i.e. 2014-2018. The trend and pattern of enrolment have been discussed based on the characteristics of the students, enrollments, the demands of vocational courses, etc. The probable contributing factors affecting enrollment for skill development courses have also been emphasized qualitatively. It was observed that more female is taking admissions in Home Science and Hospitality sector, whereas more males are joining Health and Paramedical and Computer courses of NIOS. Certificate courses in Community health, Cutting & tailoring, Beauty culture, Early childhood care and education, Basic computing, Computer applications, Electrical technician, Cutting, tailoring & dress making, Homeopathy dispensing, etc. are the most popular vocational courses at NIOS. After completing NIOS vocational courses learners either work independently and become an entrepreneur or join a job, depending upon the course done.// This paper also attempts to provide an overview of the challenges in vocational education and open learning initiatives by the National Institute of Open Schooling (India). The paper made useful suggestions to overcome the challenges and the way ahead to fulfill the National goal of skilling India for inclusive and sustainable development. // Paper ID 141