A Study of Challenges and Feasibility of Vocational Training in Germany Replicated in India.

Abstract

The recent pandemic has drastically affected World economies and society. Empathy, adaptability, long-term, and perseverance take precedence over rapid growth. The digital economy and small businesses reflect these values. MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises) are transforming. The world has realized the importance of MSMEs in job creation for the masses, reducing regional imbalances, enhancing exports, increasing the share of manufacturing in GDP, and so on. Skill development is a major enabler in making our MSMEs successful. Systematic Vocational Education and Training (VET) has no long history in India. Under the “Skill India” Mission, the Government is trying to consolidate efforts in this field. The Research Paper looks into the possibilities of learning from other successful examples – especially that of Germany. Germany has an outstanding VET ecosystem which has been benchmarked upon by various countries. This paper explores the reasons for the success of the German system and shortfalls in the Indian system and explores the possibilities to benchmark upon the former. The present study revealed that the Skills India program could replicate certain best practices relating to increasing awareness of VET, inclusiveness of the dominant informal sector, and making certain structural changes.