Why skill-based assessment is key to workforce development | Explained

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Here is why skill-based assessment is necessary for the development of an organisational workforce.

The importance of skill-based assessments in the development of an organisational workforce.

In an era defined by swift technological progress, coupled with the ever-evolving needs of the industry, the urgency to bridge the gap between education and employability has reached its peak. While the job readiness of our young graduates has been a subject of discussion for several years, according to a recent report, only 45% of Indian graduates who are on the lookout for jobs possess the necessary skills to meet the needs of industry.

This statistic further emphasises the immediate requirement for skill-based assessments, thereby acting as a crucial element in fostering a capable workforce for the future.

Mr Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India, and South Asia, shares his insights on the importance of skill-based assessments and their vital role in the development of an organisational workforce.



Evaluating for the Right Skill Set is Important

In today's job environment, the employers' demand extends beyond mere technical expertise; it encompasses refined communication skills, astute critical thinking, adaptability, and adept problem-solving capabilities—qualities that seamlessly integrate into the intricate fabric of a dynamic workplace.

While it is common to have employers use skills assessments during the hiring process to determine if candidates are a good match for an open position, employers are increasingly using these assessments even for existing employees to chart their future progression based on their strengths.

Evolving Job Roles and the Need for Newer Skills

The significance of possessing cognitive and non-cognitive skills has become more pronounced as job responsibilities continuously shift and novel industries come to the forefront. As technology advances, skills that once held great importance often tend to lose their relevance.

Skill-based assessments help individuals identify their strengths and areas that might need further development. Employees or learners can then tailor their learning journey towards essential skills pertinent to their chosen career paths.

This proactive stance not only sustains employability but also nurtures a culture of perpetual learning, where adaptability emerges as a pivotal element for achieving professional triumph.

Ensuring Role Fitment Early

Today, talent sourcing is one of the major challenges for most organizations. Skill-based workforce assessments are a great way to assess existing talent and progress in those who exhibit the right skill set and traits.

Effective Learning and Development Programmes: Learn and Assess

Learning on the job is one of the key drivers of a great work culture. Modern-day organizations profess the idea that picking up a new skill or a course while on the job is integral to personal and professional growth.

Learning and development programmes today figure right on top of any HR agenda today. One of the great ways to foster an effective learning environment is to have formative or skill-based assessments – these are less stressful, and employees are less likely to be intimidated at the prospect of taking these.


Credentialing Workplace Skills Through Assessment

As per the new National Credit framework (NCrF) under NEP 2020, the inclusion of credits based on skill-based assessments is a noteworthy addition.

Such assessments can help to enhance knowledge efficacy levels besides enabling students to earn credits outside the formal education sphere. In the day and age of credit transfers and multiple entry/ exit formats, both being driven by NEP 2020, credits based on such assessments can spur a learning culture in organizations.

Similarly, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently released revised guidelines (Jeevan Kaushal 2.0) for the introduction of life skill courses for UG students – highlighting the relevance of soft skills. These life skills include communication skills, professional skills, leadership and management skills, and universal human values.

As an example, under the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), and National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), academic institutions can work closely with skilling and assessment organizations to develop courses and assessments on attributes such as critical thinking, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, business communication, etc. enabling students to earn credits outside their core program domain but very critical for success in their careers.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, given that the landscape of workforce development is evolving, NEP 2020 has rightfully underscored the importance of skills in the holistic development of students.