Vocational Education & Training:
Partnership with Industry

The Indian workplace needs to change rapidly – it has to be a place where workers both work and learn, as companies transform themselves into learning organisations.

Companies have to invest significant resources in order to provide educational services to their employees. If they depend totally on trained workforce to be provided by the market they need to wait for a long time till the workers actually become suitable to their organisation. They need to understand the new economy that is emerging in India.

Technology, and the rapid pace at which the economy develops, is a major factor contributing to the development of the new economy. Advances in the speed and memory of microprocessors have opened up new worlds in technological development. Procedures that used to take hours or weeks to complete can now be performed in minutes or even seconds on high-powered desktop or notebook computers.

Technology has also improved telecommunications systems. It is now possible for companies all across the globe to quickly communicate with one another. Such rapid communication has made the international marketplace a reality. Indian companies are no longer just competing with each other for business; they are now competing with companies worldwide.

In order to remain competitive in this rapidly changing environment, companies need to rethink how they do business as a means to improve productivity and the quality of their products. There are many ways that companies try to change the way they do business, including redefining corporate structures and revising policy and procedures. In addition they can train their employees to understand the most effective ways to interact with customers and to be aware of the best practices of the most successful companies in the field. By doing this, corporations are attempting to increase productivity by rethinking processes.

How the new eonomy affects workers

The new economy has a profound effect on the worker – under this, jobs can be performed more cheaply and efficiently through the use of technology than through human labor. By relying on technology instead of human beings, companies can increase their productivity and be more competitive.

In the global marketplace however, this increased productivity through technology also renders some skills and jobs obsolete. For example, it is now possible to build automobiles and other large pieces of machinery and equipment primarily by using computerized robots. As a result, there is less and less demand for the traditional factory worker. Therefore, workers need to be able to adapt to new workplace realities. The person who used to build objects directly with his or her hands will now need to learn to run the computer that will build the object. As quickly as jobs are rendered obsolete, new jobs will emerge. With training, workers doing these new jobs will become important players in the new economy.

Therefore, the role of education and training is becoming more and more important in the Indian workplace. Employees need to recognize the need to improve and broaden their skills to remain employable. Companies provide ongoing work-related training to all levels of employees, offer a variety of information and resources, encourage the exchange of ideas, and reward employees who acquire new skills.

It is desirable that companies join high schools, trade and technical schools, colleges, and universities in assuming responsibility for the education of the future workforce.

Two-way communication is an important part of the partnership. Not only do we need to hear from our customers, but we need to listen to their input. We need to share with our customers and keep them aware of our plans as we move forward. This mutual sharing of information makes all the difference.

When we choose to work with a partner, keep the same ideas in mind – communication, openness to share and a willingness to listen. We want our associates to share similar philosophies and business practices so that the products and services we provide are consistent on all levels.

We believe in partnership. It impacts how we conduct business and how our long-term relationships are established.
There is now such an opportunity here in Bundelkhand. The TARA Community College is the vocational education and training hub for all future needs for a good and skilled workforce.

The TARA Community College (TCC) is a commitment by Development Alternatives Group (DA) towards extending the reach of capacity building services to millions of underprivileged people, particularly women and youth.
We at the Development Alternatives Group seek to work with you for the benefit of all. q

Bhavana Gadre
bgadre@devalt.org
 

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