Bhubaneswar: NITI Aayog organised a stakeholder consultation on “Transforming Vocational Education in India: Vocational Education in Schools”, bringing together policymakers, educators, industry representatives and other stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen vocational learning across the school education system.
The consultation was chaired by Dr. Joram Aniya, Member, NITI Aayog.
Representatives from the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L), National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), State education departments, schools, Sector Skill Councils, industry, UNICEF, research organisations and civil society organisations participated in the discussions.
Focus on Early Skill Exposure
A key focus of the consultation was the need to provide students with meaningful exposure to vocational education from Grade 6 onwards.
Participants discussed ways to make vocational learning more structured and relevant to students while ensuring that it complements academic education and prepares learners for a wider range of future opportunities.
Strengthening Teachers, Institutions and Industry Links
The consultation highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of teachers and vocational trainers, along with improving institutional capabilities at the State level.
Participants also emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between schools, industry and apprenticeship providers so that students can gain practical experience and develop skills aligned with emerging employment opportunities.
Greater industry participation was seen as important for creating relevant training opportunities and ensuring that vocational education responds effectively to changing workforce requirements.
Creating Clear Career Pathways
Another major area of discussion was the creation of clear pathways connecting school education with higher education, vocational training, apprenticeships, employment and entrepreneurship.
The consultation emphasised that students should be able to move more easily between different education and career options rather than viewing vocational education as a separate or limited track.
Stakeholders also discussed the importance of inclusion and improved learner outcomes, with a focus on ensuring that vocational education provides meaningful opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
Sharing Scalable Models
The consultation encouraged States, schools and industry partners to share successful practices, innovative approaches and scalable models that could be adapted in different parts of the country.
The discussions reflected a broader effort to make vocational education an integral part of school education and equip young people with practical skills, career awareness and pathways to further learning and employment.
The consultation concluded with an emphasis on building a more flexible, inclusive and outcome-oriented vocational education system that can connect classroom learning with real-world skills, industry requirements and future career opportunities.
-OdishaAge
