Pune: Calling for a shift from purely academic learning to a more skill-oriented education system, Maharashtra education commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh said schools must equip students with practical and vocational skills if India is to create an employable and future-ready workforce. Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration of Lend A Hand India (LAHI), a Pune-based non-profit working in the field of vocational education, Singh said traditional education models need to evolve in response to changing industry requirements and technological advancements.
Emphasis on Practical Learning
“To create an employable generation, schools must focus on skills. Degrees alone cannot guarantee employment in today’s world. Students need exposure to practical learning, workplace experiences and problem-solving abilities from an early stage,” he said.
The event, held at the Pune International Centre in Pashan, brought together policymakers, educationists, industry leaders, development-sector professionals, students and alumni to reflect on two decades of efforts to integrate vocational education into mainstream schooling.
Government Initiatives and Industry Exposure
Singh said experiential learning is becoming increasingly important in education and noted that the state government is examining ways to strengthen industry exposure for students. Founded in 2006, Lend A Hand India works with schools across more than 20 states through programmes focused on vocational training, entrepreneurship and applied learning.
Addressing the gathering, LAHI co-founder Sunanda Mane reflected on the organization’s growth from a small initiative to a national movement. She said the idea of introducing vocational learning within mainstream schools was still relatively uncommon when the organization began its work 20 years ago.
Interactive Skill Lab and Exhibits
A key attraction at the event was a model skill lab where guests experienced hands-on learning activities that form part of the organisation’s programmes. Exhibits tracing the organisation’s journey and milestones over the last two decades were also displayed.
