Abstract
This is one of two research studies prepared for the ILO in 2013 on sectoral strategies for skills development. In 2010, the ILO held a Global Dialogue Forum on Vocational Education and Training as well as a Global Dialogue Forum on Strategies for Sectoral Training and Employment Security. These tripartite meetings of representatives of governments, trade unions and employers' associations concluded that sectoral approaches to skill development, if they are to be effective, should be part of long-term national growth strategies, enabling coherence to be built between skill development and labour market policies, and policies for technological innovation, service delivery, trade and investment. There was broad consensus among the participants that developing countries face an array of challenges that require implementation of a strong, sector-led approach to skill development. The forums called for policies and practices that result in a higher status for technical and vocational education and training as a means of meeting the challenges of the continued economic and jobs crisis and of preparing young people and enterprises for productive work in the future. This paper was produced by the consultant company Manipal City & Guilds through its Delhi-based Joint Policy Advisory Group. It discusses the nascent secondary technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system in the information technology and automotive sectors in India. It highlights the role of the National Skill Development Corporation and sector skills councils, and it identifies the many challenges to improving TVET in India, from ensuring buy-in by the social partners to managing highly fragmented systems of vocational qualifications. It also covers the salaries, working conditions and job satisfaction of teachers and trainers.