Opinion | Youth: Making Youth Job-Ready Through Practical Skills

In today’s rapidly changing world, the journey from education to employment has become more challenging than ever. Young people, full of dreams and potential, often find themselves standing at a crossroads where academic degrees alone are not enough to secure meaningful jobs. The growing gap between what is taught in classrooms and what is needed in real workplaces has created a pressing need for practical skills. This issue is not just national but deeply felt here in Kashmir as well, where educated youth often struggle with unemployment despite having qualifications. The question is no longer about how many degrees one holds, but how capable one is of performing real tasks that industries require. And this is where practical skill development becomes essential for making today’s youth job-ready.

Across the country and in our own region, we see young people increasingly aware that theoretical knowledge, though valuable, cannot stand alone in the job market. For years, the traditional education system placed more emphasis on rote learning, examinations, and memorizing textbooks rather than hands-on experience. This left graduates knowing definitions but unable to apply them in real-world situations. However, with the shifting demands of modern industries, especially in fields like technology, healthcare, tourism, creative arts, and entrepreneurship, employers now seek individuals who can demonstrate skills, not just repeat facts. Skills like computer literacy, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, craftsmanship, and technical knowledge have gained importance. In other words, employment today belongs to those who can perform, not just those who can answer questions on paper.

In Kashmir, the situation of youth unemployment has been a long-standing concern. Even though more young people are completing higher secondary education and pursuing degrees in colleges and universities, job opportunities have not kept pace with the rise in the number of graduates. This has led to frustration, hesitation, and at times loss of confidence among the youth. However, along with challenges, an opportunity also lies here. The diverse talent of Kashmiri youth, whether in arts, handcraft, technology, agriculture, or tourism, can be developed into strong professional skills with proper training. Programs that focus on practical learning, vocational training, and industry-based internships can play a transformative role. Young people who gain hands-on experience during their education are much more confident and employable than those who only study theory.

Skill development programs initiated at national and regional levels have begun encouraging the youth to think beyond conventional careers. Initiatives like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and various state-level skill missions offer training in fields such as tailoring, carpentry, electrical maintenance, hospitality, nursing, computer hardware, and digital marketing. These courses are structured in a way that participants learn by doing. Similarly, IT and computer skill centers across districts in Kashmir have enabled young people to become proficient in programming, graphic design, online freelancing, website development, and mobile app development. The rise of online work platforms, especially after the pandemic, has opened a new world where a young person can earn from home, provided they have the right skills.

Practical skill development is not only about vocational jobs; it is equally relevant for professional careers. For example, a medical student must know how to perform clinical procedures, not just read about diseases. An engineer needs to know how machines work, not only the mathematics behind them. A business student must learn how to communicate, negotiate, and manage real projects, not merely prepare presentations. When students participate in internships, workshops, field visits, and hands-on training, they become more aware of workplace culture and expectations. This also helps them discover their strengths and interests, which leads them to choose careers that genuinely suit them.

Schools, colleges, and coaching centers can play a crucial role in embedding practical learning into education. If teachers and institutions focus not only on exam results but also on skill-building activities, students will grow more confident and independent. Encouraging debates, group projects, presentations, research assignments, and real-life problem-solving can make education more interactive and meaningful. Career counseling is equally important. Many young people in Kashmir, especially in rural areas, remain unaware of career paths beyond a limited set of government jobs. Guidance programs can help them explore diverse fields and identify the skills required for each.

Social attitudes also need to evolve. For a long time, practical and vocational skills were viewed as secondary to academic degrees. Society would often measure success by the title of a job rather than the talent or skill someone possessed. But today’s world proves that a skilled electrician, designer, baker, or photographer can earn just as well as, or sometimes even more than, a person with a traditional degree but no practical ability. The dignity of labor must be acknowledged, and young people should be encouraged to pursue careers that match their talent, not just societal expectations.

Another important aspect of making youth job-ready is entrepreneurship. Encouraging young people to create jobs rather than only seek them can transform the economic landscape of Kashmir. There are countless untapped opportunities in sectors such as tourism, food processing, horticulture, saffron cultivation, dry fruit packaging, cultural art, eco-tourism, and online business services. With proper training in financial literacy, marketing, communication, and business management, many young Kashmiris can become successful entrepreneurs, contributing to economic growth and job creation in the region.

Finally, confidence and motivation are key. Skills alone are not enough unless the youth believe in their potential. Institutions, elders, teachers, and community members must create an environment that uplifts young voices and encourages experimentation without fear of failure. With the right skills, guidance, and mindset, the youth of Kashmir can not only find employment but also lead innovation and change.

In conclusion, making youth job-ready through practical skills is not just an educational step—it is a social and economic necessity. The world is changing, and our approach to learning and employment must change with it. The youth of Kashmir are talented, creative, and resilient. With proper skill development and real-world exposure, they can stand confidently in any competitive field. The future belongs to those who learn, adapt, and apply. And our youth, with their potential and determination, are well capable of shaping that future with pride and purpose.

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