Upgrade in skills needed
As routine jobs have been drying up across the globe the need for skilled and technical jobs has been witnessing a demand. Same stands true for Jammu and Kashmir where the demand for skilled labor is high, particularly in sectors like tourism, agriculture, handicrafts and small scale industries.
As tourist arrivals are become a regular feature, the industry requires skilled workers in hospitality, hotel management and related services. Similarly, the region’s agricultural sector, including horticulture and saffron farming also needs skilled laborers with knowledge of modern farming techniques and new agricultural practices.
Notably, Jammu and Kashmir is renowned for handicrafts industry, featuring products like Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier-mâché which demands skilled artisans and craftspeople. Likewise the emergence of small-scale industries like food processing, silk weaving and walnut woodwork also require skilled workers.
Youth with their respective skills in varied trades have a bright future if they put their skills to good use. The skilled manpower could not only address the unemployment issue by creating their own jobs, but their skills could greatly address the ‘supply and demand issue’ as well.
The youth in Jammu and Kashmir need to think out of the box as the demand for skilled labour has phenomenally increased across the world in the last few decades. Such is the relevance of skilled labour in countries like Australia and Canada that they are even offering permanent residency to people with skills that are in their demand list.
We in Kashmir are witnessing an imported labour phenomenon as most of the technical jobs that are to be carried out here are done by people who have come from other states.
Interestingly, the need for skilled labor is a pressing issue in many industries as rapid technological advancements require workers with specialized skills to operate and maintain complex systems.
Companies need skilled workers to stay competitive in the global market, innovate, and improve productivity. Besides, the retirement of middle aged work force and changes in their demographics create a need for skilled workers to fill the gap.
The recent developments and surveys conducted have revealed that skilled workers are more efficient and productive, leading to increased output and better quality products.
The skilled workers drive innovation, enabling companies to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions. They are also better equipped to handle complex tasks, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall quality.
The need of the hour is that all the stakeholders including academic institutes, especially ITIs and Polytechnics, corporate sector and the government institutes need to come together in creating a skilled man force in the region.
The move can help in bringing down the unemployment rate and ensure that new jobs are also created.
The new educational curriculums should be devised so that the governments, educational institutions and companies can invest in education and training programs to develop skilled workers.
Apprenticeships and on-the-job training can provide workers with hands-on experience and practical skills. The companies that are roped in for this purpose can invest in upskilling and reskilling programs to help existing workers develop new skills and adapt to changing industry requirements.
By addressing the need for skilled labor industries can improve productivity, competitiveness and innovation, ultimately driving economic growth and development.
Interestingly, the skilled labour forms the backbone of various developing economies in the world. The skilled labour not only contributes in the growth of the nation but also increases employment avenues for others. However, in a place like Kashmir which is known for higher number of unemployment rates, lack of skilled hands is not helping the situation in any way.
