The Roots of Poverty and Unemployment
In our country, poverty and unemployment are not just statistics: these are the terrific realities faced by millions across the country, sadly, including the youth.
Many young children are forced to leave school and search for low-paying jobs to support their families financially and meet their basic needs.
The helplessness is so grave that these children and youth give up on their dreams and strip their hope and dignity.
The issues of unemployment and unstable income plunge the youth into despair. The culprit here is the absence of education, which may compel them to resort to negative coping mechanisms out of discouragement.
Isn’t it alarming? How can a nation build a strong and sustainable economy when its youth is driven by despair and lack of opportunity?
The lack of opportunity here is, more precisely, a lack of education.
According to a 2024 World Bank Report, approximately 129 million Indians were living in extreme poverty. The overall increase in the unemployment rate is high, from 3.1 percent in 2023 to 3.2 percent in 2024.
What is “Vocational Training” ?
In simple language, vocational training is a skill-based education that prepares the individuals/youth for specific careers, such as plumbing, tailoring, computer repair, electrical work, graphic design, coding, automobile repair, and carpentry. It emphasizes practical training , preparing the youth for better job opportunities, reducing unemployment, and supporting the nation’s economic growth.
Why are Vocational skills important for career growth and economic development?
These skills offer a better and faster route to employment. They help in building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the industrial as well as service sector demands.
The vocational and technical skills are basically the job-specific capabilities that directly align with job market needs, giving individuals job opportunities, making them self-reliant, and contributing to economic development.
Vocational and technical skills training promotes entrepreneurship by enabling the youth/individuals with practical, specialized skills that could directly help in starting and managing a business.
With the relevant training, the individuals also gain confidence and learn problem-solving abilities like budgeting, customer service, marketing, etc.
This increases self-employment, innovation, and business development. Thus, vocational and technical skills training serve as key drivers of economic growth and job creation.
Thus, vocational skills are highly useful for the youth of our country, as they open a direct track to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic independence for the young.
When the youth have enough resources to support themselves financially, they are becoming debt-free through skill-based vocational training.
Why is vocational training the most effective weapon against poverty and unemployment?
Vocational training enables the youth and marginalized communities to become financially independent. This helps them in reducing dependency and supporting their families.
The vocationally trained individuals can launch small-scale businesses, thus promoting entrepreneurship and creating new job opportunities for others.
Vocational training also amplifies social inclusion by allowing those without degrees or higher education to grow and succeed.
This helps boost local economies and contributes to national economic development.
After gaining confidence and credence through the skilled workforce, people are becoming equipped to lead an income-generating and sustainable livelihood.
Investing in vocational training is needed for building a stronger economy and empowered youth, reducing poverty in the country.
