India, recognized as a population talent hub, faces a significant skill shortage of 31%. With close to 67% of the population in rural areas, India requires a more robust rural youth development program. At this juncture, Sikkim-based youngest university, Medhavi Skills University, has designed and launched the WISE (Work Integrated Skill-Based Higher Education) model. This WISE skill development model is designed to uplift the marginal areas of India. The WISE solution is a well-grounded initiative to nurture the human capital in emerging areas. 

It is a significant initiative of MSU that is aligned with National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) to ensure skill development and employability. 

How MSU bridges the skill gaps in rural India

Investing in skills can focus on rural India's growth. In rural areas, skills investment and high-quality skill models like MSU’s WISE have become a testament for supporting rural youth. Medhavi Skills University has come up with the idea of a training culture to develop a skilled workforce. MSU’s WISE initiative follows the “Industry as Campus” model, thus students can get practical exposure and generate income while learning. 

MSU believes in aligning academia with industry needs. Medhavi Foundation, the parent sponsoring body of Medhavi Skills University, operates 100+ training centers under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) scheme to bridge India's skill gap and create employment opportunities in rural areas.

Impact of skill development programs in rural areas

Skill development programs have a transformative impact on rural areas such as youth engagement,  community development, economic upliftment, and others. It is evident that skill development programs signify the financial empowerment of individuals. 

MSU-WISE initiatives for rural workforce development

Medhavi Skills University’s WISE initiative aims to develop an agile and resilient workforce in rural areas. To build a skilled workforce, there are different holistic approaches which are under the following. 

• Partnering with industry: The WISE model fosters partnerships for impact and ensures rural youth are job-ready by making education accessible and affordable. WISE simplifies education by providing customized programs. 
• Apprenticeship embedded degree program: The apprenticeship embedded degree program is prioritized under the WISE solution, encompassing hands-on training and upskilling opportunities in different industries.  
• Experiential learning: Medhavi Skills University's WISE model emphasizes experiential learning to upskill and reskill the rural population.
• Training Centres: MSU’s WISE offers a wide range of courses in collaboration with partners, and provides skill-focused training centers and state-of-the-art centers to improve employability chances.  
• Government initiatives: The WISE model is aligned with the Government of India’s visionary initiatives such as “Viksit Bharat 2047” and the “Skill India Mission”, contributing to a future-ready rural workforce. 

It encompasses a well-rounded workforce and continues to invest in the skilled workforce. 

The role of the WISE model in skill development

Medhavi Skills University’s WISE model is a catalyst in skill development in India. It integrates real-world experience and industry-aligned curriculum to bridge the gap between industry and academia. The WISE model aligns the cost-effective training goal with industry 4.0 market demand, leveraging industry-specialized programs. With 300+ industry partners, WISE is a game-changer in creating opportunities and strengthening the talent pipeline.  Moreover, on-the-job training is a pivotal factor in revolutionizing education and empowerment. It can be said that WISE has set a benchmark to manage the educational expenses of students through OJT. 

Skill development strategies for long-term organizational success

As India is aiming to increase its pool of skilled people, vocational education, internships, and embedded degree programs are approaches in managing youth in rural areas.  WISE has played a pivotal role in offering financial aid, scholarships, and online learning. Aligned with NEP 2020, the investment in skill development strategy transforms the education system by providing hands-on learning and real-life exposure to youth, enabling organizations to achieve long-term success

Employer strategies for workforce sustainability

In the 21st century, employer’s strategies are essential to nurture a resilient and future-ready workforce. The World Economic Forum has set out “Good Work Framework” to develop a new vision for future workforce sustainability. Employers emphasize different strategies which are as under:  

• Mentorship initiatives 
• Upskilling and reskilling programs 
• Leveraging technology, data-based, and AI Programs among employees 
• Talent development initiative 
• Apprenticeship programs 
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• IT Training 
• Behavioural change
• Diversity, inclusion, and flexibility 

Employers can involve employees in meaningful projects such as community projects, skill development programs, cross-skilling programs, and other strategies. MSU’s WISE solution supports sustainable and versatile workforce development.

In conclusion, skill development benefits the youths of rural areas. Medhavi Skills University, the youngest university in Sikkim, is actively bridging the skill gap and industry demands through its innovative WISE initiative, ensuring talents are trained and placed in relevant industries. 

In A Snapshot

The Medhavi Group Impact

Why Should Students Choose Medhavi Skills University?

Why Should Partners Choose Medhavi Skills University?

FAQs

What is the skills gap in rural India, and how can it be addressed?

According to The Financial Express, 80% of the youth in rural India are yet to pursue vocational or skill training. Other data released by the Global Business Coalition for Education (GBC-Education), the Education Commission, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) mentioned that more than 50% of Indian youth are not on track to have the education and skills necessary for employment by 2030. In today’s competitive job market, candidates must have industry-relevant and real-world skills. Medhavi Skills University’s WISE skill development model is focused on bridging this workforce-skill gap.

How does MSU-WISE empower rural communities through skill development?

MSU-WISE empowers rural communities by providing industry-aligned, work-integrated education, offering hands-on training and apprenticeship-embedded programs, thus it can reduce the skill gap in underprivileged areas of India. MSU-WISE is a testament to enhancing employability and driving the workforce with the best training. 

What are the key benefits of bridging the rural skills gap?

The key benefits of bridging the rural skills gap are improvement in cost-of-living in rural areas, empowerment, reduction in migration, and migration. In underserved areas of India, bridging this gap has a positive impact on employment opportunities. Equipping rural youth with essential skills and knowledge enables marginalized individuals to access local employment opportunities, foster collaboration and networking, and secure desired roles within their respective industries.