India faces an unprecedented skilling and unemployment crisis today, with severe implications for its economic growth and prosperity. The country faces a dual challenge: a severe shortage of a skilled workforce in industries on the one hand, and high youth unemployment on the other, highlighting a substantial mismatch between the demand and supply of skills in the labour market.
“In India, the skill gap in the labour force is a significant challenge, with only about 51.25 per cent of the youth deemed employable due to a lack of necessary skills. This issue is exacerbated by the country’s diverse socio-economic conditions, particularly affecting those in rural areas and from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who lack access to quality education and training. This situation not only perpetuates cycles of poverty but also aggravates wage inequality. The problem is compounded by inadequate emphasis on developing non-technical skills such as communication, critical thinking, and leadership, which are increasingly in demand. The absence of these skills from the curricula of most educational institutions stimulates employers to choose candidates only from a handful of premier institutions. Additionally, there is a significant mismatch between the skills taught and those required by employers, leading to unemployment even among the formally educated.”
-(Source: Observer Research Foundation Report April 2024)
Launched in 2004, Udayan Care’s Skilling & Livelihood Program (erstwhile Udayan Care IT Training Program), brings technical, digital and vocational skills closer to underserved communities, enhancing their livelihood opportunities. The program enhances computer literacy among young people, enabling them to navigate an increasingly digital world. Skill training is provided through Skilling Centres located near densely populated slum areas that lack access to learning and livelihood skills.
The centres offer a combination of digital and vocational skills that align with current industry demand. Digital Job-specific courses are available to those who have completed their schooling. These courses reflect industry needs, enabling students to become job-ready and prepared for the workforce.
Placements are an integral part of the program. An active placement cell forges alliances with MSMEs and corporate houses to secure placements for students. They also hold regular job fairs where students and potential employers from local areas can participate.
The program emphasizes holistic development, encompassing soft skills training, English language proficiency, financial literacy, personality development, and mentoring to prepare young people for the professional world. Teaching youth to ‘give back’ to society is a key aspect of student development.
Strategically located Skilling Centres are easily accessible to the communities they serve. They also offer ‘citizenship entitlement’ services, helping residents apply for or update government IDs and access welfare schemes, building credibility and mobilizing students.
Since 2022, 20 centres have been empanelled with the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) under the non-funded partnership scheme, offering NSDC-approved courses in IT/ITES, Telecom, and BFSI. Students receive NSDC certification, which enhances their job prospects and opportunities. From 2025-26, the program will add Green Skills to its portfolio of courses being offered to underserved communities.
Since 2018, the program has an active alumni network, leveraging time, resources, and networks to its advantage. Since its inception, 26 IT Centres across five states have equipped over 38,000 students in Delhi & NCR, Gujarat, and Telangana with the skills for self-reliance.
