Vocational Training, Skilled Employment and the Future

Skills form a very important part of an individual's life. It decides the destiny. It has the power to change one's life in different aspects of life. Starting from a small street vendor on the street, if at all he has to ensure he/she sells the products by EOD one requires certain skills to attract the customers. It applies at levels of business. When it comes to the personal personal life even at this juncture one needs to possess certain skills to get things done of what one wishes to accomplish. So now I understand the importance of skills as I'm hunting for jobs for the students coming from underprivileged and rural background. According to NSDC by 2020 around 20 million youth will need to be employed. And there's huge gap between the industry demands and the skills of the youth in India. In line with this the government has taken many initiatives and supporting the Eco system of skill training in India. Many big players in the industry are of the opinion that unskilled manpower if trained and unskilled they can be a game changer.

I would wonder how a vocational training programme can contribute to enhance the skills of an individual. But now as I'm involved in the project right from the strategy making to its implementation now I understand as to how a vocational training programme can really make a big difference in an individual's life. So, what is his vocational training programme. It's a programme which is usually I short duration which varies from 2 - 3 months. This is usually a specially designed curriculum for the individuals who for various reasons cannot afford to continue the studies and dropout of the school by 10th grade and some in 12th grade. Every 4th student out of the 10 drop out of the 10th grade and 3rd student of 12th grade. This figures to million of students who actually discontinue schooling. Now you see the gap existing is very transparent. Now, the main objective of the vocational training programme is to skill this clan of youth with the skills that an employer is looking out  for. And these sum up to the communication skills, personality development, interview skills, computer basics, English speaking and the industry specific skills. Sounds simple? Yes, it is but for many it's something luxury and they do not have access to. I feel so privileged that I'm part of this wonderful project of vocational training programme which enhance the potential of the candidates and ensuring to get them to the main stream.

I was just analyzing, as to how one can differentiate oneself from others forms the most important factor. There are billions of people who have completed their graduation, post graduation and various other degrees from various universities. But then the factors that differentiate the individuals was visible to me clearly. Again various reasons such as the quality of education, the demography, the geographical area where an individual resides, culture, support from the family and n numbers to list. But at the end an individual who has completed graduation irrespective under the varied condition one tends to grade themselves nothing less than the other. This phenomenon has to some extent is demotivating and creating a sort of resistance for an individual to excel above oneself. It was disheartening for me to see the candidates holding so many degrees and master degrees are struggling to get even a single job, reason they are unable to communicate what knowledge they possess and yes it's just the communication.

I was really surprised that there's a scheme which exists  by the government under which the students will be trained under vocational training programme at zero cost and an icing on the cake is that they pay stipend too to the students. And the stipend is a tool to attract the students towards the programme. Don't you feel that it's being too good to the candidates?  Definitely it's a bonanza offer, free training to enhance your skills which will enable one to increase the chance of being employable and you earn while attending the training. Now the most shocking info which I learnt with the interactions with the institutes/NGO's who mobilize such candidates is that they find it difficult to mobilize such candidates. Now, I wonder whether to question the statistics on unemployment or on the feedback which I received from the vocational training institutions.

Be it whatever, I can see vocational training programme creating wonders in so many underprivileged and school drop out youth that these youth at a time where they lost hope on their career have began to fly and start dreaming and in fact capable enough to make their stand in the main stream. And this scenario seems very satisfying for me and feel happy that education in whatever best possible manner is reaching the needy and helping better their lives adding to the growth story of the nation.

Our efforts to spread this magic wand of vocational training programme to many across the nation are in progress. Hoping to see a lot of satisfied lives around.

An experience being an Interviewer

As part of one of my project I had an opportunity to interview few candidates. This seems to be a very different experience to me which paved way to lot many learning's. I begin with to take an interview for a profile which required administration work which is also called for customer service. It's really a matter of happiness when you have the opportunity to know someone  and understand them in terms of right fit to the job.

Soon all the recaps of the interview I attended began to flow, with this thought I ensured the candidate will be at his/her comfort. Applied all the learning's from the interviews attended in the past.I'm sure each one will have a story to share after an interview is attended.

We even start sharing with our friends telling various stories.Story 1: "The interview didn't know anything himself/herself and tried to be over smart". Story 2: "The panel focused on too much technical stuff, if that was the case why didn't they mention in the CV clearly about the requirement, they don't know what they're asking about'. And if lucky,Story 3: "The interviewer was so nice and friendly, my interview went well and I feel I'll get selected". Ufffff.............so many stories to share.

Having mentioned the possibility of the opinion about the candidate towards an interviewer, I ensured that he/she wouldn't be the first candidate whom I would be interviewing. Of course, it requires some home work, I did go through the CV of the candidate and then began interviewing. Asked all the basic questions and then came to the most crucial question "Expected Salary". Most of the candidates asked for a lesser salary compared to the industry standards. I was not convinced by the candidates when they asked for a lower salary against the market/industry standards. I repeatedly asked them, " Are they sure about their expectations?". "Do not get afraid that on asking higher salary you may get rejected" and many more but most of them didn't change their expectations. I was surprised because considering their qualification, potential, work experience and cost of living they asked for a salary which was way less than they deserved. But then each of the candidate left me with so many questions to be answered. Sometimes, interviewer do not hire you just because of the qualification or the marks you have on the paper. There are lot of other things which the interview panel considers while hiring. But, yes definitely the employer would like to interview multiple candidates and compare mostly not the against majorly based on the qualification but other parameters such as the potential, communication skills, the energy level etc., and this forms a very crucial component while choosing a candidate.


Thus, now I understand that an individual not only should focus on developing at one skill but continuously make effort to build oneself in multiple ways. Never compare with others and analyze yourself as you never know what's the circumstances based on which one gets selected. Build, build, build yourself not to crack any interview but build value for yourself and others around you to explore the various opportunities that life offers you.

Kids prove nothing is impossible - An amazing volunteering experience at Ramanagar

Most of us are of the opinion that there are certain things meant for only a particular group of people. So when we talk (or sometimes gossip) about others we end up categorizing them. This has led to the mindset of many of us that certain things are meant for particular group of people. Let's say for example, people are of the opinion that Golf and Lawn Tennis are meant only for the upper class or upper middle class individuals. That's it, full stop, and put an end to the further thoughts. Adding to it, people also tend not to make an attempt to think what is the underlying factor that differentiates. If we are clear on answering these questions, the road ahead could be clear. We try multiple solutions within us. And such strong push factor would be that inner desire that we awaken within us and take a stand for oneself. Seek options to explore opportunities that will help you discover what you once thought is not meant for oneself.

When I make this sentence I'm definitely of the opinion that nothing is impossible and if there lies an interest or zeal or even for that matter an inner desire to do something that will definitely lead to success. As I was looking out for volunteering opportunities, I came across an opportunity to volunteer at the adventurous camp which was organised for the differently able. I didn't bother to ask what's my role but at the outset I was a little concerned as to what would be my role. I always ensure I give my best at whatever opportunity I get. With all these thoughts I just started my day, I kept observing and waiting for opportunity to do something while everyone is boarding the bus, but no I didn't get any. Each of them could manage things on their own. Mixed feeling - Having come as a volunteer no work to kick start with but definitely more happy to see these kids strong amid all the challenges and managing things on their own.

This adventurous journey led me to Ramnagara, which is around 50 kms southwest of Bangalore. A place where the famous Bollywood movie Sholay was shot. I happened to watch the movie in 3D this year. I could see a house similar to Thakur's in the movie, not sure whether it was the same. But then the view was almost the same. We were on the top hill and suddenly the Gabbar scene running through my mind. Oh, too filmy. Let's come to the actual experience.

We started off the day with some ice breaker events. We were nearly 50 of us and it was tough though to remember each one of them. Before that to mention about the place where we stayed at, the place was pretty descent with all the facilities required. Lot of beautiful landscape around and open space too. Soon, after the ice breaker it was time for lunch. I did get an opportunity to volunteer at this juncture and it boosted my morale to take up more responsibility. These kids were accompanied by one of their parent as they would need assistance and that these kids have not stayed even a single day without their parents. But then, it was amazing to see that the kids showed up a matured behavior. When they were asked for assistance by their parents they would refuse and say I will do it on my own. May be to ensure that they can show skills of self management to their clan but then this is something which is commendable as they are attempting to do things which is almost close to impossible for them. This was something which string a chord to my thoughts and approach. More inspiring stories lined up. The first activity was "Rope Walk". Two ropes are tied parallel to each other to a height less than that of an average height of a man. A person is person is supposed to hold the rope and walk on it from one end to another which is quite distant. This calls for balancing your body, focus and more importantly courage to do. To my surprise each one of the kids did it so well that it was a moment for everyone. At night there was musical camp fire and we played Antakshari and I did play some music too. Exhausted, everyone went to sleep to recharge for the next day.

Rashmi hugs me on feeling happy for successfully completing the zip line and wants to capture photo with me

Parents, teachers, team everyone's expressing their happiness for Gokul's victory. Gokul made every dumbstruck. He was so confident about he doing zip line when we had to counsel him for 3 hours telling him that's not for him. He faces challenge to walk and is forced to take support of a wheel chair. But nothing less in this boy, he was a source of inspiration for many including me and proved that if you desire and have that zeal to do what you want then nothing can stop you. Our proud Champion!!!

Day 2 kicked off with trekking and way back we had another tough task to be done and that's zip line. Yet again to surprise and bestow breathtaking moments these kids over performed in this tough activity too. Each one of them mind me, each one of them completed the activity successfully. It was challenging though as we had to climb a steep hill by a rope to reach on the top which requires to pull your body weight by yourself. Once you reach on top you will need to slide through a rope from one end to another which is far distant and quite high from the ground too which is almost 50 to 60 feet above the ground level. My turn was at the end and I took charge of motivating these kids and ensuring they don't give up on this. Many of them were interested and getting motivated seeing their friends perform but then somewhere that feeling of "I cannot do this, this is not meant for me as I'm not capable" was haunting them. But believe me that one push you give them by bringing that comfort level in them that they're equally capable and not less than anyone, they will come back with victory. And, yes each one of them did. The amount of mental, emotional and physical challenges they undergone to perform this was so much that at some points even their parents broke down and couldn't boost the morale of their kids. The fear of getting hurt or injured mentally and physically was their concern but then these kids were a source of motivation for one another and by this support the entire cohort could give their best.

Sometimes, it so happens that everyone do not get an equal opportunity in life. Some may get more in one aspect and less in another. But for these special kids I must say, the Almighty has blessed with tremendous love which they usher on every stranger they meet. At the same time it's a matter of common aspect in our parents life that their kid will study well, become Engineer or a Doctor and settle down in life with some good job and a life partner. But then each day is a challenge for the parents of the special kids. They just hope that their child is in such a condition that he/she will be able to manage things on their own as they require assistance to help them out in eating, walking, sitting etc., All these a routine of life but this is something unusual for the parents to see their child managing things by themselves. And I think given a platform to explore, to learn, to share, to understand, to experience, to overcome the fear, to even get a chance to spend some gaala time with your clan will definitely sow the seed for hope in life. I could see tears in the eyes of parents out of happiness when they witnesses their child climb a mountain, walk on the rope, sync and play around a sport, recollect the name of a new friend, seeing wear their own sock, watching them having their own meal and much more was a sight of happiness to all the parents present there. These simple things added tonnes of joy and parents seemed more satisfied and content. Sometimes, it so happens that in the urge of gaining many possessions we tend to forget what adds up to make the big things happen. Acknowledgement and acceptance of the value that each small step you take throghout your journey in life becomes very essential.

Given a platform or an equal opportunity for any individual irrespective of their mental or physical status, will definitely open up opportunities to understand one's potential. This also brings in source of motivation and help an individual to go beyond one's potential. After all life is a struggle between birth and death and whatever we do during the journey is defined as life. And in turn life defines our personality, our values, our contribution, our potentials and all that help us build as an individual. Everyone has a right to do everything they wish to do. No boundary in any terms should restrict anyone  as at the end it's the individual's life.