TECHNOLOGICAL advancements have accelerated changes in all walks of life across the globe. There is an urgent need to implement skills education aligning with contemporary technologies. Nations with continuously changing educational programs, including skills components, are thriving better than others. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and technological advancements have made educational models obsolete.
We are all witnessing that emerging technologies are geared towards automation. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, real-time data streaming, machine learning, more intelligent devices, and digitalization have curtailed several traditional jobs. Now, the question arises: how can humans be competitive with these changes? The only answer lies in learning modern skills aligning with these new technologies. One must always be optimistic, as global forecasts suggest that modern technologies have created more job opportunities, provided people possess relevant skills.
Responding to global trends, there is a growing consensus that the world should shift its focus towards education that teaches practical skills, better preparing individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Skills education, a major component of competency-based education, equips students with practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to real-world scenarios. It includes soft skills, behaviors, teamwork capabilities, communication skills, and other integrated components. This approach contrasts with the conventional model, which often emphasizes memorization and standardized testing. While traditional education certainly has its merits, the move towards skills-based education is gaining momentum for several compelling reasons.
Skills education brings us closer to real-world workplace scenarios and prioritizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Such educational programs are paramount where intricate challenges necessitate innovative solutions. Skills education cultivates an entrepreneurial and innovative mindset by fostering critical and creative thinking. It equips individuals with the capacity to adapt to change, embrace uncertainty, and positively contribute to their communities and societies.
Another compelling rationale for embracing skills education is its inclusivity. Traditional education systems frequently rely on standardized testing, which can perpetuate inequalities. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may need equal access to the resources and opportunities needed to excel in such systems. On the other hand, skills education naturally embodies greater inclusivity. It values various knowledge forms and acknowledges people’s diverse learning styles and paces. This inclusivity is vital to ensure that everyone has an equitable chance to succeed in the modern world. Importantly, skills education promotes a commitment to lifelong learning and incorporates the element of re-skilling, thus remaining relevant and competitive in the rapidly evolving job market. Skills-based learning encourages individuals to embrace an ongoing process of acquiring new competencies and staying attuned to changing demands, ensuring their continued success in a dynamic world.
Pakistan faces several challenges in skill education that hinder its socio-economic progress. Firstly, a significant gap exists between the skills imparted by the existing education systems and the job market requirements. The curriculum often lacks practical, industry-relevant content, leading to a mismatch in graduates’ skills and employers’ demands. Additionally, the accessibility and quality of skill education are uneven across the country, with rural areas often being underserved. This exacerbates regional disparities in economic development.
Coordination between government bodies, educational institutions, and industries is needed to create a cohesive and effective skill development ecosystem. Finally, the stigma associated with vocational education in Pakistan discourages many from pursuing it, leading to a preference for traditional academic degrees, even if they do not translate into viable job prospects. Addressing these challenges is crucial for Pakistan to harness its demographic dividend and foster economic growth through a skilled and productive workforce.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
