There is a critical need for upskilling initiatives in India, says Pearson executive
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In an interview with ET’s Sreeradha Basu, Jane Baker, vice-president, Workforce Skills at learning company Pearson said India stands out as a leader in the global upskilling market due to its sheer volume of learners seeking to enhance their skills and through the active support of government initiatives like Skill India.
Professionals worldwide are upskilling at a rapid pace, and India is at the forefront of this movement, fuelled by its young and ambitious population, said Jane Baker, vice-president, Workforce Skills at learning company Pearson. In an interview to ET’s Sreeradha Basu, she said India stands out as a leader in the global upskilling market due to its sheer volume of learners seeking to enhance their skills and through the active support of government initiatives like Skill India. Edited excerpts:
What is the kind of uptick you have seen in professionals wanting to upskill themselves? How do you compare India -- with its huge young demographic – with other countries in this respect?
We recognise the global skills challenges, as reported by the World Economic Forum, impacting various countries, including India. This trend is attributed in part to factors like the pandemic and advancements in digitisation. As per the second edition of our Pearson Skills Outlook Report, around four in five Indian workers are interested in short courses or language programmes, and certifications from professional organisations (34%) and from platforms (34%) are the top two types of education they need to advance their careers.
However, there is a growing concern: the reported disconnect between traditional education and the current job market demands. Many employers report a mismatch between graduates and qualifications and the specific skills needed in their workplaces. This highlights the critical need for upskilling initiatives in India.
We have collaborated with industry, academia and governments to identify skill gaps and design globally recognised curricula and qualifications. This approach is also being implemented in India. In the same Pearson Skills Outlook Report, technical skills like data science, cloud computing, AI and cybersecurity are demanded widely in India, alongside soft skills like communication and critical thinking.
What are your growth plans in India? How do you see yourself scaling up in this market?
In India, we are looking at expanding our presence and impact in three key areas – higher education, workforce skills and English language learning. Our workforce skills business focuses on collaborating with government institutions, educational institutions and corporations.
We are actively participating in the skilling initiatives, offering skill development courses in emerging sectors, language proficiency programmes, and communication skills training and supporting the goals of the NEP (National Education Policy) 2020, which emphasises affordable, equitable and universal access to quality education.
Globally, we are actively engaged with employers, corporate L&D (learning and development) leaders (such as Amazon Web Services, BMW Group and Schneider Electric) and industry associations. These collaborations enable us to understand evolving sector needs and tailor qualifications, accordingly, seeking feedback on existing programmes and identifying emerging skill gaps.
Do you plan to launch more programmes in India? Which are the most popular among the existing ones?
We continuously assess emerging trends and skill demands to shape our programmes globally, including in India. Our approach involves collaborating with industry advisory boards, comprised of experts, to refine curriculum and qualifications. In India, our focus sectors include digitech, healthcare and e-vehicles, aligning with the evolving skill needs.
Popular programmes in India encompass artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and machine learning (ML), reflecting the growing interest in upskilling and reskilling. Globally, trends indicate a surge in demand for programmes in technology such as AI/ML, robotics, data analytics and semiconductor manufacturing, Emerging industries like e-sports event management, finance and e-vehicle engineering, growing sectors such as green technology and healthcare.
We plan to expand Pearson BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) programmes, analyse course preferences and forge new partnerships nationwide. Additionally, we aim to create accessible learning solutions, including digital credentialing tools and workforce analysis for employers.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c.20,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are.
Visit us at: www.pearsonplc.com
For more information, please contact: Bhavya Suri, PR & Corporate Affairs, Pearson India & MENA- bhavya.suri@pearson.com