What are SSCs?
SSCs (Sector Skills Councils) are industry-led bodies that help people learn specific skills needed for jobs in various industries. SSCs design special programs and courses to teach job hunters precisely what they need to know for the jobs they apply for. They work closely with companies and experts to ensure employees learn the right skills.
What makes SSCs special is their strong partnership with the industries they serve. They work closely with businesses, industry associations, and other stakeholders to understand the specific skills needed in various sectors of the economy. This collaboration ensures that the training programs developed by SSCs are relevant to the industry requirements, making individuals trained by SSCs more employable. SSCs are also typically established or supported by the government.
This way, SSCs act as bridges between employee skills and employer expectations!
In this technology-driven world, even the skill development and employment generation processes have turned their heads towards automation as well as exploring new and innovative ways in which technology can make their processes easier and more manageable.
So, let’s explore different ways in which SSCs can leverage technology to enhance employment opportunities
- E-learning platforms and Online Courses
- Immersive Training Programs with the help of AR and VR Technology
- Mobile Apps for Skills Enhancement
- Big Data and Predictive Analytics for Skill Gap Analysis
- Online Certification and Digital Badges
- Remote Skill Assessments and Job Placements
- Blockchain for Credential Verification
- Global Collaboration and Remote Work
1. E-learning platforms and Online Courses
E-learning Platforms break all the barriers revolving around education. In this new revolution of digitalization, e-learning platforms, and online courses enable anyone to access them as long as they have a working internet connection. E-learning ensures flexibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace, and making education adaptable to individual needs and schedules.
SSCs have realized the potential of e-learning to offer industry-specific courses. For example, the Retailers Association’s Skill Council of India (RASCI) partners with platforms like Coursera and edX. Together, they design courses ranging on a wide variety of topics like customer service, supply chain management, etc. This brings expert knowledge directly to learners, enhancing the quality of education provided.
One of the most significant advantages of e-learning is its accessibility. Online courses can be accessed from anywhere, removing geographical barriers. This accessibility is crucial for individuals residing in remote areas, ensuring they have the same educational opportunities as their urban counterparts. Additionally, online courses are often more affordable than traditional education. By eliminating costs associated with physical classrooms and printed materials, e-learning platforms can provide high-quality education at a fraction of the cost, making skill development financially viable for a wider audience.
Also Read: Maximize Your Association’s Income with These 6 Non-Dues Revenue Sources
2. Immersive Training Programs with the help of AR and VR Technology
AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) provide immersive training experiences. It’s like studying healthcare, aviation, or engineering by virtually being there. With VR and AR, it’s not just reading or hearing about the topics, it’s actually going through experiences of practicing the topics in realistic simulations.
It’s a high-tech playground where one can practice real-life scenarios, thus boosting their skills and confidence like never before. Like James Clear in Atomic Habits says: “Neurons that fire together, wire together!” Thus, learning through experience and practice makes perfect!
SSCs can collaborate with industry experts to learn about the practical applications of the processes they need their employees to learn and create a practical simulation of those processes with the help of the AR and VR industry experts.
3. Mobile Apps for Skills Enhancement
In today’s digital age, mobile apps have transformed into powerful tools for enhancing skills and knowledge. Mobile apps provide unparalleled flexibility, enabling individuals to engage in learning activities while on the move. Commuting time or brief intervals during the day can be effectively utilized for skill development, making learning a seamless part of daily life. The apps can also include interactivity with the authors and experts where the learners can interact with them and clear their doubts/questions.
SSCs have embraced this technology, offering dedicated mobile applications tailored to specific industries. For instance, the Retailers Association’s Skill Council of India (RASCI) has developed customized apps that provide access to industry-specific content. These applications serve as comprehensive platforms, offering insights, assessments, and learning resources curated by experts in their respective fields.
4. Big Data and Predictive Analytics for Skill Gap Analysis
Big Data and Analytics are like wizards behind the scenes! They crunch numbers, spot trends, and unveil the skills that industries are craving. By knowing what skills are sought, training programs can be laser-focused. Hence, these insights ensure that training programs are aligned with industry needs, increasing the employability of graduates.
SSCs – with the help of industry experts and big data and analysis experts – create training programs that meet the exact requirements of the industry and respective roles!
5. Online Certification and Digital Badges
Certifications are the proof of the job seekers’ skills. The certifications are recognized and respected by employers all over the world! SSCs can create online certification programs that meet the industry’s needs. Once a candidate aces the certification test, a digital badge can be given to their profile making them stand apart from the crowd.
This certification program can be integrated into the website of the SSC or their mobile application.
6. Job Portals
Virtual job fairs can be arranged where SSCs connect the relevant talent with the right employers and vice versa. In these virtual job fairs/placements, everyone can collaborate on a shared platform. To sort out candidates, skills assessments can also be arranged where the candidates can go through the online tests before applying to the relevant jobs.
NASSCOM recently launched a Talent Connect Portal in association with Artha Job Board. The major reason behind this platform is to bridge the skill gap in the Tech Sector. The portal already features a talent pool of over 1.5 lakh skilled and certified individuals who are ready to be connected with the right employer! Nasscom projects to reach 5 lakh within the next six months! Besides this major function, the portal also contains some awesome features including gamification algorithms to keep the learners motivated to complete their certification, and an AI recommendation engine to enhance the matchmaking process based on skills and job requirements. There are many more features NASSCOM and Artha Job Board plan to incorporate within this portal!
7. Blockchain for Credential Verification
Blockchain technology can be utilized as a secret and secure vault to store candidates’ important credentials and certificates.
SSCs embrace blockchain technology to safeguard the skills and credentials of the candidates. SSCs act as your trustworthy guardians, ensuring the candidates’ skills are accurately represented.
8. Global Collaboration and Remote Work
Technology enables global collaboration among students, educators, and experts. This international perspective fosters a diverse learning environment. Additionally, technology facilitates remote work, allowing individuals to participate in the global job market without geographical constraints. This way SSCs can channel a global collaboration which opens up more opportunities and better work outputs! Remote work options open up for people who cannot travel. And, jobs are filled by the most qualified candidates!
Some Indian Tech-Driven SSCs
Here are a few tech-driven SSCs of India that stand out from their competitors:
- SSC NASSCOM: NASSCOM uses technology to upgrade learning and development via their platform: Future Skills Prime. They also launched a job portal for connecting employers to the right talent from all over India!
- Retailers Association’s Skill Council of India (RASCI): RASCI has been actively partnering with online learning platforms like Coursera and edX, utilizing technology to offer industry-specific courses.
- Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC): TSSC provides an e-learning platform that focuses on skill development in the telecom sector and utilizes technology to offer online courses and virtual training programs.
Government Initiatives and Support in India
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): PMKVY encourages the use of technology for training delivery. SSCs have been leveraging online platforms, virtual classrooms, and e-learning modules to reach a wider audience.
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKK) and Model Training Centers: PMKK and Model Training Centers are equipped with modern technology infrastructure. They incorporate e-learning, virtual labs, and other digital tools to enhance training methodologies.
- Skill Saathi and Rozgar Melas: SSCs, under the Skill Saathi initiative, organize digital job fairs (Rozgar Melas) to connect skilled candidates with employers. These fairs leverage technology for virtual job interviews and assessments.
A glimpse into the future of technology in SSCs
- Personalized Learning
- Microlearning
- Immersive Learning
- Gamified and interactive learning
- Blockchain verification
- Mobile-first learning
- Remote proctoring and assessments at large scale
- Soft skills learning
- Guest lecturing by industry veterans
It’s evident that technology plays a pivotal role in empowering SSCs to adapt, grow, and foster meaningful change within their respective industries.
With the technology adoption, having the right tech partner by your side can be a game-changer. Think of them as the sidekick you didn’t know you needed – innovative, reliable, and knowledgeable. These are the folks you want on your team because, let’s face it, in this fast-paced tech world, you need more than just basic skills.
