BUILDING A WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE

THE IMPORTANCE OF SKILL-BASED EDUCATION IN HIGHER LEARNING

- DR. DR. PROF) SUPRIYA PATTANAYAK SUPRIYA PATTANAYAK

With technological advancements, many traditional jobs will soon become obsolete. Jobs that involve repetitive, routine work are more vulnerable, as they can be easily automated. Therefore, data entry professions, bookkeeping, and customer service positions are experiencing a significant reduction in the employment market. However, the same technology has created numerous new jobs, the majority of which did not exist until just a few years ago.

Such tasks demand specific skill sets. While boring operations can be automated, there will always be a need for professional workers to oversee, maintain, and manage linked systems. Thus, in tune with changing times there is a need to educate the students so that they are future ready.

Skill-based education is the future as it ensures that students are armed with practical knowledge of their subject along with the theoretical ones. To be future ready, universities must integrate skill-based education into course curricula, and learning models must be developed to refine future-proof talents, ensuring that students are prepared for the changing employment landscape and Industry 5.0. It is imperative for students to be employable immediately after completing their education course, instead of wasting precious time in training and getting low paid jobs.