The instruction framework in India has experienced numerous changes from time to time. Prior, schools utilized the center as it were on books and examinations. Children should be motivated to score good marks. But now the goal of the government is not limited only to education. Now the purpose of education is that children should be able to get a job as soon as they leave school. Under this thinking, vocational education is being started from class 9. This step will help students prepare for both jobs and careers.
The new generation now wants not just a degree, but skills that will get them employment. Therefore, in schools, now children will be given not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical training.
What is vocational education?
Vocational education is the education in which students are prepared for a particular profession or task. It differs from traditional studies in that it focuses on work learning along with books.
The fundamental objective of this instruction is to make the understudies self-reliant and self-reliant in life. For illustration, if an understudy is interested in computers, he can learn courses like realistic planning, computerized showcasing or programming. At the same time, if somebody likes to work with hands, at that point he can select a field like carpentry, circuit repairman or sewing-embroidery. It gives children the opportunity to select their claim. They can go on to work or start their own small business.
Why is it important to start from class 9?
Class 9 is the age when a child develops the ability to think and make decisions. This is the time when his interests and aptitudes become clear. Therefore, if he gets information about any work at this age, then he can decide his future direction.
At this age, children are always eager to learn new things. They can identify the talent within them. They get information about various career options. They can gain proficiency in school as well as any skill. With this, children will study not only to pass the exam, but also to become successful in life. By the time they reach Class XII, they will have basic experience in a field that will help them get a job or start their own work.
Contribution of National Education Policy 2020
The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) has brought a major change in the education system of India. This policy says that studies should not be only for degrees, but it should be based on the skill development of the person.
Under this policy, it has been planned to gradually impart vocational training to children in every school. In this, schools will be connected with local industries, institutions and training centers.
For example -
In a school in a rural area, children can be given training related to farming or animal husbandry. Computer, digital marketing or automobile repairing can be taught in urban schools. The policy aims to make every student proficient in at least one skill by the time they reach Class 12.
How will education be imparted?
The government has decided that vocational education will be integrated with regular school subjects. That is, children will have to study mathematics, science and Hindi as well as vocational subjects. Students will be able to choose subjects according to their interests. Experienced trainers will come to schools and teach children.
Some will be in classrooms and some will be in the form of workshops or practical training. Students will also get an opportunity to do projects, field visits and internships. From this, Learning will not be boring and children will experience their learning directly.
The impact on children and society
Starting vocational education from class 9 will bring many positive changes in the society.
1. Reduction of unemployment:
Children who will be taught skills will be able to start their own work or find work in an industry in the future. This will reduce unemployment.
2. Economic Self-Sufficiency:
The confidence of the youth will increase and they will become financially independent.
3. The practical importance of education will increase:
Now learning will not be limited to books, but it will be directly related to work and life.
4. Benefits in rural areas:
Where there are less work openings, understudies will be able to discover business in their town itself by learning nearby work.
5. Promoting advancement and entrepreneurship:
Children who will be capable in a few fields can go ahead and begin a start-up or little trade.
Role of parents and teachers
Not only the government, but parents and teachers will also play a big role in making vocational education a success. Parents should not push children to pursue only traditional careers such as becoming a doctor or an engineer.
They should understand the interests and talents of the children. Teachers should motivate the students so that they do not feel ashamed to learn any work. If the outlook of society changes, children will take up vocational education with more confidence.
Government Schemes and Support
The Government of India has introduced several schemes to promote vocational education.
- Holistic Education Campaign: Funds and equipment are being provided for vocational training in schools.
- Skill India Mission: Youth are being trained in various fields to make them employable.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) runs skill development courses at the school level in collaboration with industries and institutions. With these schemes, there will be no shortage of resources in schools and students will get better opportunities.
Future prospects
India has the largest youth population in the world. If this youth moves forward with the right skills, India can become the skill hub of the world.
The nature of employment is changing in the future. Now there is a demand for not just degrees, but skills and practical knowledge. Vocational education will make children technically strong and will also give strength to the country's economy.
Conclusion: Step towards a self-reliant India
Introduction of vocational education from class 9 is not just an academic shift, but a decision that will decide the future course of India. This will give confidence to the children in life, new employment opportunities will be created in the society and the youth of the country will get a path to become self-reliant.
Now the time has come that we should not limit education to degrees only. Teach children that every job has its own dignity. Only when every child takes pride in his / her skills, India will truly be called a "Skilled Nation."
