New Delhi, Delhi, September 27, 2011 / -- A4e India Pvt Ltd., a subsidiary of A4e Ltd, U.K participated in the just concluded Global Skills Summit organized by theFederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.
A4e India has been working closely with the Government of India for delivering globally benchmarked skills for the bottom of pyramid clients on a pan-India basis. A4e India aims to create a Credible, collaborative, competency based and transparent skills training system with the government, private and third sector organisation partnerships.
The 4th edition of the FICCI Global Skills Summit, held on the 15th and 16th of September 2011 at the FICCI Federation House, New Delhi served as a central platform for international dialogue on the modernization of vocational education and training (VET) in India. The theme of this year's conference was, 'Vocational Education & Training: Developing Strategic and Implementation Framework'. The conference brought together more than 300 delegates including prominent functionaries from the state and central government departments, chief executives and business heads, training providers and institutions, industry associations, civil society organizations, etc. to focus on discussions around the skills initiatives taken and planned by the key stakeholders of the country and debate ambitions, challenges and solutions to reach out to 500 million people by 2022.
Rt. Hon. David Blunkett, Member of Parliament, UK and A4e advisor honored the event with a special address concerning the importance of skills and knowledge of human resources to address the challenges and opportunities of growth in a highly competitive and globalized world. Addressing the inaugural session, Mr. Blunkett said "India has acknowledged its need to convert its young population into a skilled, trained workforce to continue its phenomenal economic growth. The UK has a strong competitive advantage in the education and skills sector, and is capable of world class skills provision. I am here with one of the largest business delegations of UK education and skills providers to form partnerships with Indian businesses and institutions from which mutual learning and practical action can emerge."
Mr. Roy Newey, Group Board Director, A4e Ltd. and Co-Chair of the UK India Skills Forum presented information on the UK experience of vocational education and training in schools and the importance of improving processes in response to the need for a properly trained 21st century workforce. Presenting at the panel discussion on 'Overseas Collaborations: Key initiatives', Mr. Newey emphasized, "The cost of not providing vocational skills to our young people is unthinkable. It is all about vocational skills and competency, leading to smiles and sustainable employment. Then people feel valued, then they can be financially independent, then you have a legacy."
In addition, the conference also witnessed distinguished guests and eminent speakers who shared their experiences and insightful thoughts on key issues concerning vocational education and training in India. Mr. R.C.M. Reddy, Chairman, FICCI Skills Development Forum and Managing Director, IL&FS Education, stated that there is a dire need for convergence between various government and the private organizations to make the skill development agenda a success.
Mr Abhaya Agarwal, Executive Director & Leader PPP, Ernst & Young, India, gave the theme presentation on "Skills development: Developing Strategic and Implementation Framework". He focused on different aspects related to global skill mismatch, existing framework in India, the global scenario with case studies from key countries and strategies for enhancing skill delivery in India.
Mr. Dilip Chenoy, MD & CEO, National Skills Development Corporation, shared his experiences on how the industry is coming forward to enhance awareness on skill development. Giving the examples of TATA Steel and DMRC, he highlighted the impact and reach that an organization can have towards contributing to skill development.
Mr. R.V. Kanoria, Senior Vice President FICCI and Managing Director, Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Limited underlined the need for a policy framework that includes an awareness campaign and an incentivized scheme for facilitating development of institutions for imparting vocational education.
To showcase the achievements & international experiences from across the country & globe, an exhibition of skills services was parallely organized to supplement the discussions. Organizations including IL & FS, City & Guilds, Future Learning, Bharti Centum, IndiaCan, UKIERI, TUV, etc. showcased their products and services to the delegates and visitors. A4e India displayed its 'Vox Centre' as its exhibition theme and conducted an interesting skills challenge which gave stall visitors an opportunity to learn more about the Vox centre and also win exciting gifts.
Overall, the conference was a huge success and many important topics were presented and shared in front of a large audience. The conference witnessed two days of power packed discussions and nine knowledge sessions covering issues and topics including development of a strategic and implementation framework for vocational education & training, overseas collaborations, national vocational qualification framework, structuring sector skill councils, etc.
The caliber of presenters at the conference was remarkable. The audience was greatly invested in the question and answer sessions held after every panel, and many important inquires into the speaker's research were discussed.
Notes to Editor
A4e Ltd. is a global organisation that manages and delivers public services in partnership with the Government, public and private sector organisations and the not for profit sector. With presence in 11 countries, the overall goal is to improve people's lives through social change. A4e provides specialised services to its stakeholders for long term and sustainable impact on their lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment