The government is formulating a comprehensive plan to enhance the skills of its workforce, intending to collaborate with 30 nations that require skilled labour. This initiative aims to cater to specific sector demands and constitutes a multi-faceted approach to training and providing skilled Indian workers globally.
As part of the strategy, the plan includes skilling courses, international certification, pre-departure orientation training, soft skills development, multicultural training, and additional support to facilitate overseas mobility. A senior government official shared this information with ET, stating that the plan will be implemented through the establishment of around 30 Skill India International Centres (SIICs) spread across the country.
In order to supply skilled Indian workers to specific countries, the government has identified key nations such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, Sweden, and Finland. Through an initial assessment of workforce needs in 16 countries, it has been determined that there will be a demand for 3.7 million trained Indian workers over the next five years.
To further the skilling agenda, the Ministry of Skills Development is collaborating with the Ministry of External Affairs in incorporating skilling provisions within bilateral agreements related to migration and mobility. These agreements encompass the mobility of young professionals, apprenticeships, students, as well as their accompanying family members.
In order to facilitate the process, the ministry has initiated collaboration with Indian missions in the identified countries. Their involvement includes advocacy, engagement with employers, and the identification of strategic partners for establishing ties related to skilled workers.
The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “The skills development ministry will undertake mapping of sector-specific requirements in each of the identified countries and impart training accordingly to ensure India’s skilled workforce gets placed internationally.”
This initiative aligns with the government’s vision to position India as the global hub for skills development.
In order to streamline the process of international mobility, individuals who register at Skill India International Centres (SIICs) will receive a Skill India Passport. This passport will contain digitally verified credentials, providing a reliable and transparent source of information for employers, thus making migrants’ skills more portable.
To assist candidates in financing their skills training for overseas markets, the ministry will provide support through innovative financing models, including skill impact bonds, skill loans, and high-end fee-based courses.
Furthermore, the ministry will establish strategic partnerships with states and state agencies to enhance international mobility. These partnerships will facilitate trade testing and certification through business-to-business collaborations with global agencies.
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Skills Development, the National Skill Development Corporation International has entered into 23 business-to-business memorandums of understanding. These agreements aim to facilitate training, assessment, and recruitment services with 11 countries, namely Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, and Sweden.
