Mumbai, May 27, 2023 – In a groundbreaking development, the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the World Bank, organized a unique workshop on School-to-Work Transition under the STARS Program. The event, held today in Mumbai, aimed to address the critical issue of equipping students with the necessary skills to smoothly transition from school to the workforce. The workshop was co-chaired by Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of School Education, and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
The workshop witnessed the participation of Secretaries of Education and Skill Departments from the six STARS states – Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Also in attendance were the State Project Directors of Samagra Shiksha, along with other officials and representatives from the World Bank.
A key component of the STARS program is the strengthening of Vocational Education and School-to-Work Transition. The workshop centered around discussions on conducting a Skill Gap analysis of the six STARS states and Uttar Pradesh, as well as exploring the convergence of vocational and skill development initiatives. Shri Sanjay Kumar and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari provided insights into the existing interventions of the Government of India, provisions of the National Education Policy on vocational and skill education, and suggested measures to expand vocational education in districts. They also proposed piloting vocational education initiatives in aspirational districts to foster economic growth and enhance the employability of the nation’s youth.
The workshop also highlighted the current performance and interventions of the participating states. A comprehensive strategy was proposed, emphasizing vocational education, industry collaborations, integration of vocational studies into school curricula, and necessary modifications to the existing syllabus to align with industry requirements and make students job-ready upon completing 12th grade.
Furthermore, the workshop facilitated a session with industry experts who provided valuable insights into the skill requirements of the current industry landscape. The session concluded with a resounding consensus that now is the opportune moment to invest in vocational training and make it an aspirational choice for the youth across the country.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the World Bank under the STARS Program signals a significant step towards bridging the gap between education and employment. By equipping students with relevant skills and ensuring a seamless transition into the workforce, this initiative aims to empower the youth, boost economic growth, and fulfill the aspirations of a prosperous nation.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering vocational education and preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the ever-evolving job market. The transformative impact of this collaboration is set to shape the future trajectory of education and skill development in India, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
