Trainers: The Corner Stone of Skilling Ecosystem

 The ‘Kaushalacharya Samadar 2020’ was organised  on the 10th September to celebrate & honour 91 trainers & gurus across 5 categories & 21 subcategories who have made an incredible difference in the entire skill ecosystem. A great way to honour the trainers of the skill ecosystem based on their hard work and dedication. Such events do raise the respect and self esteem of the trainers. 

However, the point to ponder is whether the impact of such one off events is lasting? Or is there something else that needs to be done simultaneously for a  continuous and longer impact? A detailed analysis is required to find a meaningful solution. 

There is no one solution that will motivate the trainers and at the same time make the profession more respectable and desirable.

Training of trainers is beyond doubt most critical. There are several examples to prove that largely the trainers are technically no better than the trainees themselves. The MSDE, NSDC and SSCs are already working on this by trying out various models and methods including imbibing best international practices, engaging corporates like IBM and others and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. At the end of it, there is hope for a better trainer. 

Other aspects that need attention are:

a) Enabling support structure within the parent institute to enhance training delivery.

b) Enabling support from the larger administrative body overseeing the institute.

It may not be incorrect to believe that the adminstrative functions as part of the trainers responsibility take priority over his key responsibilities of delivery training. This must be rationalised in favour of the training function. 

Trainers must at all costs be released from the institutes for timely upskilling / reskilling and industry attachments. 

The administrative setup ie the Training Supervisors upward, must participate in training delivery by taking a mandatory number of classes per batch. This in a more organised setup like the ITI system would translate into the Training Supervisors, Principals, Joint Directors and Directors taking the ownership. As regards the private institutions the same should be a mandatory practice for all institutions delivering any Govt funded Training program. 

After all, "Training" is the prime function of all institutes functioning under the MSDE / DGT / State Skill Missions and the NSDC system of private institutions supporting the Government's Flagship schemes like PMKVY. 

The support from the entire system will go a long way in making the Skilling Ecosystem "Atmanirbhar" where the Trainer will be the cornerstone.