Digital Skills – The Key to Success in Futuristic Working World

Digital Skills – The Key to Success in Futuristic Working World

The world of work is experiencing a seismic shift that is driven by rapid technological advancements. Digital skills have transcended from being mere added advantages to becoming indispensable tools for young people aspiring to thrive in futuristic job market. In India, which is home to the largest youth population in the world and where the youth population represents a significant demographic dividend with 27.2%[1], digital skills are not just important, but essential for employability and empowerment.

This blog shares my thoughts aligned to the agenda and theme of International Youth Day 2024 – ‘’From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’.

The Digital Transformation of Jobs

The advent of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and cybersecurity is revolutionizing the job landscape. Tasks that were once manual are being automated, new roles are emerging, and traditional industries are undergoing profound transformation. This evolution demands a workforce that is not only familiar with but proficient in digital technologies.

Essential Digital Skills for the Future

To successfully navigate this evolving job market, young people must equip themselves with a diverse set of digital skills:

• Technical Skills: Expertise in programming, data analysis, digital marketing, and UI/UX design is increasingly sought after by employers across various sectors.
• Soft Skills: In tandem with technical prowess, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication are vital for success in a dynamic work environment.
• Digital Literacy: The ability to effectively use technology for research, collaboration, and productivity is fundamental.

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

Despite the soaring demand for digital talent, a significant portion of young people lacks access to quality digital education. Disparities in digital literacy and access are particularly pronounced along gender and rural-urban lines. Research highlights that only 42% of secondary school students in India were able to operate a computer, and 46% could browse the Internet as of 2017-2018 (Bhandari et al., 2021). Factors such as socio-economic status, access to devices within households, and the availability of computers in schools play a crucial role in digital skill acquisition (Bhandari et al., 2021).

However, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of e-learning across the country, and the online education industry is projected to reach $1.96 billion by 2021 (Rao, 2020). Online platforms have become crucial in enabling the youth to enhance their job-related aptitude, and soft and technical skills. However, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where illiteracy and  lack of computer knowledge hinder progress (Singla, 2020). Addressing these disparities is imperative for harnessing India’s demographic dividend and improving youth employability in the digital era.

Closing the Digital Gender Gap

The digital gender gap in India is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention to ensure equitable access to the benefits of digital technology for all youth:

• Internet Access: Only about 15% of women in India have access to the Internet, a stark contrast to the significantly higher percentage of men.
• Smartphone Ownership: While approximately 25% of adult women in India own a smartphone, the figure for men stands at 41%.
• Internet Usage: The National Family Health Survey (2019-21) reveals that only 33% of women have ever used the Internet, compared to 57% of men, with the divide being even more pronounced in rural areas.
• Digital Literacy: The rate of digital literacy, particularly for activities like searching and browsing the Internet, is 48% among men and 37% among women.

Meaningful access to smartphones is essential for women and girls. Yet studies show that they often receive the phone only when the battery is low or when talk time and data packs are nearly depleted. This severely limits their ability to explore and benefit from the digital world.

Initiative for Empowering the Next Generation

The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) platform by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship offers a comprehensive array of courses and opportunities to the youth for upskilling and reskilling in fields such as IT, digital marketing, coding, and AI. It also facilitates job exchange and apprenticeship opportunities. However, to truly bridge the digital divide, a more focussed collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and businesses is required. This collaboration should focus on:

• Affordable Digital Training Programmes: These programmes must be accessible to a wider range of young people, particularly those from under-represented communities.
• Mentorship and Internships: The programmes must provide practical experiences which are crucial to complementing theoretical knowledge.
• Lifelong Learning Opportunities: Continuous skill development should be encouraged to help individuals stay relevant in the fast-evolving job market.

The future of working world is undeniably digital. By investing in digital skills development, we can empower the next generation to not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing job market. It’s time to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Author: Sushmita Mukherjee, Director – Gender and Adolescent Girls, PCI India

[1] Youth_in_India 2022 Social Statistics Division, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Government of India