Bridging the Skill Gaps for Non-Tech Graduates in the modern Job Market

Technology, Automation and AI is reshaping the job market, creating challenges for non-tech graduates in India. Addressing these challenges requires a focus on skills that are easier to acquire and can have an immediate impact.

Key Skill Gaps:

Soft Skills Deficit:

Communication, Critical Thinking, and Leadership: While non-tech graduates exhibit moderate strengths in these areas (55.1%, 54.6%, and 54.2% respectively), further improvement is essential for career growth.

Creativity: An indispensable skill for automation-driven industries, yet it remains underdeveloped at 44.3%.

Adaptability to AI and Automation:

Non-tech graduates struggle to keep up with the rising demand for AI-related competencies, especially in data-driven roles.

Problem-Solving and Innovative Thinking:

Critical for workplace success but often lacking in graduates, limiting their ability to handle complex tasks.

Learning Agility:

With only a 46% employability rate in this area, graduates need to develop the ability to learn and adapt quickly to new tools and technologies.

Regional and Institutional Disparities:

Tier 1 college graduates are more employable (48.4%) compared to their Tier 2 and Tier 3 counterparts, who struggle to gain exposure to industry-relevant skills.

Strategies to Close the Skill Gaps:

Strengthening Soft Skills:

Workshops & Seminars: Regular training on communication, leadership, and critical thinking.

Mentorship Programs: Connecting students with professionals for hands-on learning.

Real-World Application: Encouraging teamwork, presentations, and problem-solving exercises in academic settings.

Encouraging Creativity and Innovation:

Project-Based Learning: Assignments that require creative solutions to real-world problems.

Competitions & Hackathons: Events that push students to think outside the box and develop innovative ideas.

Developing AI Awareness Without Technical Complexity:

Basic AI & Automation Concepts: Introduction to AI’s impact on different industries without requiring deep coding knowledge.

User-Friendly AI Tools: Training on accessible tools like chatbots, AI-driven analytics, and automation software.

Expanding Career Readiness Through Online Platforms:

Online Courses: Leveraging platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning to improve employability.

Micro-Certifications: Short-term certifications in areas like digital marketing, business analytics, and UI/UX design.

Regional and Institutional factors:

Industry-Academia Partnerships: Join institutions where there is collaboration between universities and businesses to create hands-on internship programs.

Fostering a Mindset of Lifelong Learning:

Continuous Upskilling Culture: Promoting self-learning through webinars, TED Talks, and industry-led discussions.

Ref news

https://m.economictimes.com/jobs/hr-policies-trends/non-tech-graduates-in-india-struggle-as-ai-reshapes-jobs/articleshow/118351385.cms