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How Governments Can Drive Skill Development and Employment in Their Countries

In a rapidly evolving global economy, the importance of skill building and employment cannot be overstated. As industries transform and new technologies emerge, countries must adapt to stay competitive. Governments play a crucial role in this adaptation by fostering environments that promote skill development and employment opportunities. One exemplary initiative that highlights the impact of such efforts is Generation’s Project AMBER (Accelerated Mission for Better Employment and Retention) in India. This article delves into how governments can drive skill building and employment in their countries, with a special focus on Project AMBER as an effective example.

The Role of Governments in Skill Building and Employment

Policy Formulation and Implementation

Governments must create policies that support skill development and employment. These policies should address the needs of the labour market and ensure that educational institutions align their curricula with industry requirements. Effective policies can include tax incentives for companies that invest in employee training, subsidies for vocational training programmes, and regulations that promote fair wages and working conditions.

Public-Private Partnerships

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for successful skill-building initiatives. Governments can facilitate partnerships with private companies, educational institutions, and non-profit organisations to create comprehensive training programmes. These partnerships ensure that training is relevant to industry needs and that there are ample job opportunities for graduates.

Investment in Education and Training Infrastructure

Investing in education and training infrastructure is fundamental. Governments should allocate resources to build and maintain state-of-the-art training facilities, provide scholarships and financial aid to students, and ensure access to quality education for all citizens. This investment will pay dividends by creating a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth.

Labour Market Analysis and Forecasting

Understanding labour market trends is crucial for effective skill development. Governments should conduct regular labour market analyses to identify emerging industries and job roles. This data can inform the creation of targeted training programmes that equip workers with the skills needed for future jobs.

Support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship can create new employment opportunities. Governments can support startups and small businesses through grants, loans, and mentorship programmes. By fostering a culture of innovation, governments can stimulate job creation and economic diversification.

Project AMBER: A Case Study in Skill Building and Employment

Project AMBER, an initiative by Generation, is a shining example of how targeted skill-building programmes can drive employment and economic resilience. Launched in India, Project AMBER is training and supporting 30,000 young people in COVID-resilient job roles. So far, Project AMBER has enrolled 34,000+ learners  across 23 states and 101 districts, with a 91% pass rate (against assessed). This ambitious project highlights the value of strategic skill development in addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth.

What Is Project AMBER?

Project AMBER is a collaboration between Generation and the National Skill Development Corporation of India under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The project focuses on providing training in high-demand sectors, including healthcare, customer service, green jobs and technology. By equipping learners with market-relevant skills, Project AMBER aims to enhance their employability and secure sustainable job opportunities.

Key Components of Project AMBER

  • Targeted training programmes: Project AMBER offers tailored training programmes that align with industry requirements. These programmes are designed to be intensive and hands-on, ensuring that participants gain practical skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace.
  • Outcome-based Model: The project is designed to improve employment outcomes and systemic impact, by focusing on incentivizing outcomes and sustained employment through retention tracking and verification, using Generations’ 7-step methodology.
  • Public-private partnership: Project AMBER is modelled based on an Innovative public-private partnership under Skill Development initiatives in India with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), with 50% funding from the government. (MSDE) and rest from private philanthropy (raised by Generation India). 
  • Partnerships with employers: To ensure job placement for its graduates, Project AMBER partners with leading employers in various sectors. This collaboration helps bridge the gap between education and employment, providing a seamless transition from training to work.
  • Focus on COVID-resilient jobs: Recognising the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the job market, Project AMBER emphasises training for roles that have proven to be resilient during the crisis. This approach ensures that learners are prepared for secure employment in a post-pandemic world.
  • Holistic support for learners: Project AMBER offers comprehensive support to its learners, including mentorship, career counselling, and soft skills training. This holistic approach helps participants build confidence and navigate the job market effectively.

How Project AMBER Promotes Skill Development and Employment in India

Project AMBER brings significant value to India by addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment and contributing to the country’s economic resilience. Project AMBER is enabling young adults to achieve fulfilling careers, stable employment, and steady incomes, which in turn enhance their and their families’ well-being. As per a report by Mathematica, 66% of Project AMBER graduates found employment within 90 days of graduation vs 21% in the comparison group, a 3X multiple and 85% graduates were employed in jobs directly related to their training, while 51% in the comparison group were able to do so.

Reducing Unemployment

With a goal to train 30,000 young people, Project AMBER directly tackles youth unemployment. By providing relevant skills and job placement support, the project helps young Indians secure gainful employment, thereby reducing the overall unemployment rate.

Enhancing Economic Resilience

By focusing on COVID-resilient job roles, Project AMBER ensures that participants are prepared for industries that are less susceptible to economic shocks. This focus on resilience helps build a more stable and robust workforce capable of weathering future crises.

Promoting Inclusive Growth

Project AMBER’s inclusive approach ensures that training opportunities are accessible to all segments of society, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This inclusivity promotes social equity and helps create a more balanced economy.

Building a Skilled Workforce

By equipping young people with in-demand skills, Project AMBER contributes to the creation of a highly skilled workforce. This skilled labour force is essential for driving innovation, attracting investment, and sustaining economic growth in India.

Governments play a pivotal role in driving skill building and employment in their countries. Through effective policies, public-private partnerships, investment in education, labour market analysis, and support for innovation, governments can create environments that promote skill development and job creation. Generation’s Project AMBER serves as an inspiring example of how targeted skill-building initiatives can transform lives and bolster economic resilience. By following such models, governments worldwide can empower their citizens and build prosperous, future-ready economies.

At Generation, our mission is to train, support, and place people into otherwise inaccessible career opportunities that can change their lives. Explore our employment programmes to see the professions we support, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!