Today’s competitive job market demands a skill-based higher education programme. Employers want graduates with practical skills that can help them succeed. Traditional academic programmes generally emphasise theory over practise, leaving graduates unprepared for the workforce. Students can close this gap by learning career-related skills in a skill-based curriculum. This essay will explain why a skill-based curriculum in higher education is beneficial to students and the workforce.
Career preparation:
Skill-based curricula emphasise job-related abilities. Students graduate with the abilities and knowledge to perform certain job functions well. Internships, co-ops, and apprenticeships give students real-world experience in their subject. This practical experience bridges theory and practise and prepares students for work.
Aspiring Minds revealed that just 4.77% of Indian engineering graduates can work in software development. This emphasises the necessity for skill-based education that prepares graduates for the workforce.
Satisfying employers:
Employers want graduates who can contribute right away. Skill-based curricula give students the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their area, making them job-ready and attractive to employers. Recent graduates sometimes lack the abilities employers seek. Skill-based curricula can fill this gap by teaching employers’ desired skills and knowledge, making graduates more marketable.
The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) determined that India needs around 100 million qualified workers across industries. The research suggests a skill-based education system to better prepare students for the workforce.
Improving critical thinking:
Problem-solving requires critical thinking in a skill-based curriculum. Creative problem-solving is emphasised among students. Students learn to analyse complex data, find patterns, and draw conclusions in the skill-based curriculum. STEM, business, and social sciences require this expertise.
In the India Skills Report 2022, issued by Wheebox and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), 65% of companies said a lack of relevant skills prevented them from hiring. This emphasises the significance of a skill-based curriculum in higher education to equip graduates with employer-required skills.
Lifelong education:
A skill-based curriculum teaches lifelong learning skills. This encompasses critical thinking, problem-solving, research, self-reflection, time management, organisation, and goal-setting. Skill-based learning empowers students to pursue their passions outside of school. Self-directed learning facilitates lifelong learning and growth.
Serving various learners:
Skill-based curricula can be tailored to different learning styles and abilities. Some students prefer hands-on learning, while others prefer lectures or online modules. Skill-based curricula may accommodate varied learners with multiple learning techniques. Universal design principles ensure that all learners can access learning resources and assessments in the skill-based curriculum. Diverse learners can benefit from closed captioning for video courses or different formats for written materials.
In conclusion, skill-based higher education is crucial. First, it can close industry skill gaps and boost graduate employability. Second, it can give students job-ready skills. Thirdly, it can improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, which are vital to career success. A skill-based curriculum is essential to preparing graduates for today’s rapidly changing labour environment and helping the country flourish.
