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The Post-Covid Skill Development Scenario in India
Divyesh is a seasoned business professional with over 22 years of experience across diverse capacities. Prior to joining Skillsoft in 2015, he has successfully handled key roles across an array fo companies such as SAP, Adrenalin, Clueshift and E-nnovative Solutions (India). In a recent conversation with Siliconindia, Divyesh Sindhwaad, VP and Country Head, Skillsoft India shared his insights on the current skill development landscape and various other related aspects. Below are the excerpts from the exclusive interview
How do you see the skill development landscape in India post covid?
There has been a great emphasis on skills such as remote working, digital skills, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience in recent times. As a result, the skill development landscape post-Covid-19 has seen a significant change, wherein both individuals and businesses have recognized the importance of upskilling and reskilling to adapt to the new normal. The pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of technology, which in turn has increased the demand for skills in areas such as AI, data analysis, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Additionally, the crisis has also exposed and widened the digital divide, with those lacking digital skills or access to technology being at a disadvantage.
Throw some light on the recent tech advancements that are driving the skill development space.
Being one of the most discussed topics in boardrooms across the world lately, Artificial Intelligenience is redefining the way businesses functioned. The same holds true for skill development as well, wherein it is being leveraged extensively to deliver efficient, personalized, and engaging learning experiences that enhance skill development and knowledge transfer within the workforce. Some of they key benefits of AI integrated skill development platforms are ability to personalize learning for each user to help them to progress faster, making it easier for learners to find what they need by improve search & discovery, and link skills, roles and learning together to guide career paths and generate new content and curation. Additionally, AI can also be used to personalize learning for individuals based on their profile, search behavior, learning activity, skill assessments, and role. This level of personalization maximizes learning efficiency, engagement, and retention, making learning more effective and accessible for individuals across diverse backgrounds and abilities.
What role does the government play in supporting skill development companies to contribute towards the country’s overall development?
Realizing the tremendous role skill development will play in the country’s overall growth, the government is already formulating various policies to encourage skill development and the use of technology for learning, including mandatory training programs in educational institutions or businesses, which can further enhance the skill ecosystem. The National Education Policy (NEP) promises directional steps towards this. Furthermore, the government can continue exploring opportunities for public-private partnerships to leverage the strengths of both sectors for effective skill development. Lastly, government-run awareness programs about the importance of skill development can increase participation. These strategies can help create a skilled workforce, driving India's economic growth and development.
In your opinion, how do you expect the skill development space to evolve in the days to come?
The future looks very bright for skill development services in India, with technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science set to drive demand for skilled professionals. This will lead to skill development services offering more specialized courses in these areas. Also, India’s expanding digital reach means that digital learning platforms will become more prevalent, granting access to personalized, flexible, and inclusive skill development. Additionally, the industry will focus on nurturing employability skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, alongside technical expertise and aligning with evolving employer needs. Lastly, the government’s commitment to skill development which is very much evident through initiatives like Skill India will continue to drive the growth of skill development services in India.
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