Employability of Gen z and the role of skills beyond Traditional Education

Author

GRISHA POOJARI


Abstract

 Traditional education has always played an important role in  the labour market but as we navigate  today’s competitive world only having a degree alone is not sufficient as the employer not only needs a employee to have a degree but also they want them to have various types of skills , efficiency in the work ,practicality and good work experience. This research paper examines how generation z in india looks at the significance of ability inculcated other then formal education and how these skills can help them to get the suitable job the study is purely based on primary data collected through a structured online questionnaire from 103 respondents aged from 18-29 years the stored data is analysed using a descriptive statistics , primarily percentages mostly percentage to understand every respondent’s views , the skills needed and there professional background .

 The findings show that 53% of respondents disagree that a formal qualification alone is enough to secure suitable employment, while only 33% agree. Approximately  74% of respondents have developed skills outside their formal education, and 78% have gained practical work experience. Respondents consider problem-solving skills (92%), soft skills (91%), communication skills (89%), and technical skills (88%) important for obtaining  employment. Furthermore, 82% believe that candidates with additional skills have better employment opportunities. Self-learning (48%) and online platforms (46%) are the main sources through which respondents develop their skills.

However, participation in government skill development programs remains low. Only 16% of respondents have participated in such programs , while just 17% are well aware of these schemes. The major barriers to skill development are the high cost of training (50%) and lack of time (47%). Respondents also identify digital skills (62%) and artificial intelligence (AI)-related skills (57%) as important areas in which they need further training.

The  findings suggest  that Gen z  thinks that skills are not the replacement for education but they help us to enhance our future as we know degree gives us less practical but more theoretical knowledge but on the other hand skills ,work experience ,training ,internships gives us more practical knowledge which helps genz to apply those knowledge in job. therefore the study shows the importance of skill development courses which should also be affordable or free . increase the awareness of government schemes and greater implementation of technological, practical and ai related courses and training in educational institution hence these steps can help genz to seek jobs and prepare them from rapidly changing demand of the labour market


Keywords

Gen Z employability, Generation Z workforce entry, Next-generation talent pool, Skills beyond traditional education, Soft skills gap, 21st-century skills



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References


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