Future Skills: Upskilling and Reskilling Strategies for India

Globally, product and labour markets are being shaped by the disruptions of technology adoption, and environmental impacts of globalisation. Labour markets, in addition are being impacted by the trends of evolving work arrangements such as remote and flexible work, and poor working environment in developing economies. These factors have been accelerated by Covid-19, and thus, the magnitude of impact is unforeseen.

• The impact on labour markets is two-fold a) Structural changes with job destruction, of routine tasks that are getting automated and in polluting industries, and creation of jobs in new technology and green economy b) Change in the working environment such as focus on safety and hygiene in manufacturing and service delivery, eco-friendly practices across sectors, need for adaptability and resilience
• These changes combined describe the ‘future of work’ and necessitates acquisition of new and alternate skills for adapting to these changes.

The study explores these questions by understanding a) how the ‘future of work’ is being impacted by the above factors, with a focus on need for reskilling and upskilling b) strategies and policy initiatives adopted globally for reskilling and upskilling. The methodological approach of the study has two essential components – secondary research and literature review, primary data collection from a survey of ~30 enterprises using a structured questionnaire and consultations with stakeholders across think tanks, Government bodies and training partners