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Training

It is crucial to provide opportunities for reskilling and upskilling to blue-collar workers. As per the National Classification of Occupations-2015, which is published by the Government of India, only around 21.2% of the employed population in India can be categorized as skilled workers under category 1. This implies that only one out of five workers in India is skilled. Therefore, corporate training and industrial training that focus on building skills are essential for the present landscape.

Efficient and productive workers are vital for businesses, and training programs can help achieve this goal. Companies can invest in corporate and industrial training programs that focus on developing relevant skills to empower their blue-collar workforce and fill the gap in India’s skilled labor market. Such training programs can lead to better efficiency, productivity, and work quality, as well as a safer work environment and a more adaptable workforce capable of keeping up with industry developments. Ultimately, these programs benefit both employees, enhancing their morale and career prospects, and companies, ensuring their long-term competitiveness with higher profitability. 

Our Focus Areas:

  • One major area of emphasis is enhancing Technical Skills. This involves providing blue-collar workers with training in specialized technical fields such as equipment operation, machinery maintenance, and quality control procedures.
  • Another important focus is on promoting Digital Literacy and the adoption of technology. With the increasing automation and digitalization across industries, it’s crucial for workers to be adept at using digital tools, IoT devices, and relevant software applications.
  • Soft Skills Development is also prioritized, aiming to improve communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership abilities among workers.
  • Safety and Compliance Training is of utmost importance in industrial settings, ensuring that blue-collar workers are knowledgeable about safety protocols, hazard identification, and emergency response procedures to maintain a safe work environment.

Furthermore, there are opportunities for Career Advancement and Continuous Learning through industrial and corporate training programs. Workers are encouraged to pursue certifications, engage in apprenticeships, and participate in ongoing education tailored to industry demands.

Impact Stories

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Tata Steel, Haldia

The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India states that skilled workers account for approximately 20-25% of the total workforce in India, semi-skilled workers constitute around 30-35% and unskilled workers account for approximately 40-50% of the total workforce. Although constituting a large sector of the workforce, most of these workers lack formal training.

Addressing Skill Gaps through RPL

As per PLFS ( Periodic Labor Force Survey) 2018-19 only 2.4% of the workforce in India is formally trained. Even when the employees possess the necessary skills, they do not hold any officially recognized qualifications. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process can help individuals acquire a formal qualification that matches their knowledge and skills. It addresses the skill gaps encountered by the unskilled and semi-skilled workers. The We Foundation, an NGO based in India, recognised the challenges faced by the workers and partnered with Tata Steel and The Indian Iron and Steel Sector Skill Council to address these challenges.

Driving Productivity and Growth

The process of recognizing prior learning (RPL) is a valuable tool that can be used to upskill workers within the industry. By providing workers with the opportunity to gain recognition for the skills and knowledge they have acquired through previous work experience and training, RPL can help to bridge the skills gap and increase productivity. By upskilling workers from unskilled to semi-skilled, and from semi-skilled to skilled, the industry can benefit from a more competent and efficient workforce. This, in turn, can lead to improvements in the quality and quantity of output, resulting in economic growth and an increase in GDP in India. Overall, RPL can play a key role in driving productivity and innovation within industries, while also providing workers with the opportunity to improve their career prospects and earning potential.

Implementation of RPL Program

The We Foundation, an NGO based in India, collaborated with Tata Steel and the Indian Iron and Steel Sector Skill Council, to offer workers a Recognition of Prior Learning and Upskilling Programme.

The outcome of Recognition of Prior Learning at Tata Steel, Haldia:

  • Target of training 119 workers of Tata Steel was achieved.
  • All workers who participated and completed the course have successfully passed and are certified by the Indian Iron and Steel Sector Skill Council, Government of India for completing their upskill training. The success rate stands at 100%.