The Importance of Upskilling and Reskilling in the Rapidly Evolving Landscape: Navigating the Indian Transformation
By: Anil Nagar
In today’s fast-paced world, technological advancements are occurring at an unprecedented rate. In such a dynamic landscape, continual upskilling and reskilling have become essential for professionals to stay relevant and competitive in their careers. Industries are constantly evolving, with new technologies and methodologies shaping job roles and skill requirements. Amidst the shifting market dynamics, professionals who proactively invest in upskilling are better equipped to navigate these changes, stay competitive and grow faster.
In Spotlight: Upskilling Across Industries
Industry leaders and HR professionals in India recognise the critical role of upskilling in preparing the workforce for the future. Companies are increasingly investing in training programmes to upskill their employees and fill skills gaps within their organisations. Multinational corporations such as Microsoft and Amazon, recognising the importance of the Indian ecosystem to their operations, have introduced digital training initiatives in the form of the ‘Future Ready Initiative’ and the ‘Career Skills Initiative’ respectively.
The urgency of upskilling has also been recognised by the government, and as a result, a wide array of initiatives have been introduced over the last several years. These include the Skill India Mission and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), which ensures that courses are aligned with industry needs and equips employees with the expertise required to excel in their roles. Additionally, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a capacity-building training programme in, aimed at upskilling and reskilling at least 5,000 employees from all Central universities in its first phase.
Employees’ POV: Access and Barriers to Upskilling
Employees are also aware of the advantages of continuous learning and development, from enhanced employability and career advancement to more intangible benefits such as job satisfaction. According to a 2023 survey, 88 percent of Indian employees believe that upskilling is critical for their career growth.
Despite the growing demand for upskilling and reskilling in India, challenges persist, particularly in accessing relevant training opportunities. Many skill domains across various industries remain unattended, leaving professionals struggling to find suitable programmes to enhance their expertise. Another obstacle arises on an individual level – the gap between understanding the benefits of upskilling and putting that knowledge into practice. This is especially prevalent in the Indian context, where employees frequently face barriers such as limited access to training resources, financial constraints, and an ingrained resistance to change.
Fostering an Upskilling Ecosystem: A Collaborative Approach
In order for the transformative potential of upskilling and reskilling in India to be fully harnessed, a collaborative ecosystem involving individuals, organisations, and educational institutions must be cultivated. At the individual level, professionals must take ownership of their career development and actively seek out opportunities to acquire new skills through online courses, industry workshops, and certifications. On the larger organisational front, companies must prioritise upskilling initiatives and embed a culture of continuous learning. This can involve tuition assistance, offering paid learning time, and rewarding the achievements of upskilled employees. Collaborations with educational institutions and training providers, like the National Skill Development Corporation’s partnerships with industry, can help design customised programs to address skills gaps.
Meanwhile, policymakers and educational institutions must work to improve the accessibility and affordability of upskilling programs. This can be achieved by subsidising training costs for businesses, developing flexible learning formats, and raising awareness about the importance of lifelong learning. Overcoming financial and logistical barriers will be crucial in empowering professionals, particularly in underserved regions, to benefit from these transformative opportunities.
By cultivating this collaborative ecosystem, India can harness collective efforts to build a future-ready workforce equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving tech landscape. As the pace of technological change accelerates, the ability to adapt and continuously learn will be the key to India’s economic prospects in the decades to come.
(The author is Anil Nagar, Founder and CEO, Adda247, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
