Empowering Every Citizen with Holistic Skilling Solutions

The Government of Andhra Pradesh, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to conduct the Skill Census-2024. This comprehensive assessment and data collection effort aims to map the skills and competencies of individuals across the state, identify the skillsets that industries require, and address the skill gaps that exist. The Skill Census is a testament to Naidu’s commitment to fostering a skilled society, not just among the youth but across all demographics including women, rural youth, tribal communities, and housewives. By honing the talents of these diverse groups, Andhra Pradesh aims to boost societal productivity and create a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Chandrababu Naidu’s fourth term as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh is marked by his unwavering dedication to enhancing the skill sets of the state’s population. Recognizing that skills are the backbone of economic development, Naidu has prioritized the Skill Census-2024 as a key component of his administration’s agenda. This initiative is not merely a survey; it is a strategic move to understand the existing skills, identify gaps, and implement targeted training programs that will empower individuals and meet the demands of the job market.

Naidu’s approach to skilling is holistic, encompassing all segments of society. He believes that every individual, regardless of age, gender, or background, has unique talents that can be nurtured and developed. This inclusive strategy ensures that youngsters are equipped with contemporary skills that make them job-ready, while women gain access to training programs that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities. Rural and tribal youth receive training tailored to local needs, promoting self-employment and sustainable livelihoods, and housewives can upskill and potentially enter the workforce or start their own ventures. This comprehensive skilling initiative is expected to create a robust bridge between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ in the state, fostering economic equality and social upliftment.

The Skill Census-2024 is designed with five major objectives: assessing the diverse skill profiles within the population, pinpointing the exact skill requirements in various sectors, highlighting skill gaps, providing data-driven insights to design effective skill training, education, and employment policies, and empowering individuals with the relevant skillsets needed to compete in the market, make informed career choices, and enhance their employability.

The Skill Census will involve a detailed survey of the existing workforce and demographic trends, capturing information on education, work experience, training, and skill proficiency levels, including technical, soft, and digital skills. The data collection process will be rigorous, involving stakeholder consultations and advanced data analytics techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights for designing targeted skill development programs that align with industry needs and future job market trends.

The primary goal of the Skill Census is to enhance the employability of individuals and contribute to the economic growth of Andhra Pradesh. With approximately one million youngsters graduating from educational institutions annually and an equal number of rural youth who have dropped out seeking employment, the need for a structured skill development framework is critical. The Skill Census will help create job opportunities, promote self-employment, improve productivity, and support lifelong learning.

In the context of the Skill Census, the SkillSurvey Reference tool plays a crucial role. This cloud-based, data-driven solution provides quick access to relevant feedback on job candidates from their references. The Pre-Hire 360® workflow of SkillSurvey offers a scientifically validated, job-specific process that helps reduce turnover and improve hiring decisions. Key features of SkillSurvey Reference include simplified reference checking, job-specific surveys, improved talent selection, reduced turnover, and seamless integration with Talent Hub. These capabilities make SkillSurvey Reference an invaluable tool for the Skill Census, providing detailed insights that will inform the skill development strategies of Andhra Pradesh.

Understanding the current skill landscape is essential for the success of the Skill Census. The population of Andhra Pradesh aged 15 years and above is approximately 416.44 lakh, with 181.91 lakh (44%) in the labour force. Key statistics include a low female labour force participation rate of only 13%, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, a predominantly rural workforce, and varying income levels among employed persons.

The data also highlights the disparity between formally and informally acquired skills. Approximately 2.94 lakh persons have received or are undergoing formal vocational training, while around 171.2 lakh persons have informally acquired skills. Among the informally skilled individuals, a significant number are aware of formal skill development programs, and many are willing to enroll if the training is free or sponsored. A concerning 239.86 lakh persons, or 57.6% of the population aged 15 years and above, do not possess any skill and are not employed. Females constitute a significant portion of this segment, with 66% residing in rural areas. Among those willing to enroll in formal training, a majority expressed willingness if the training is free or sponsored, and preferred short-term training programs.

The Skill Census-2024 initiative, spearheaded by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is poised to transform the skill development landscape in Andhra Pradesh. By conducting a comprehensive assessment of the state’s skillsets and identifying gaps, the government aims to design targeted training programs that will enhance employability, promote self-employment, and drive economic growth. Naidu’s holistic approach to skilling, which includes women, rural and tribal youth, and housewives, ensures that no segment of society is left behind. The integration of advanced tools like SkillSurvey Reference further strengthens this initiative, providing data-driven insights that will guide workforce development strategies. The Skill Census will bridge the gap between the current workforce’s skills and industry demands, creating a skilled and adaptable workforce ready to meet the challenges of the future.

As Andhra Pradesh embarks on this ambitious journey, the vision of a skilled, empowered, and prosperous society becomes a tangible reality. The Skill Census-2024 is not just a policy initiative; it is a commitment to the future, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to realize their potential and contribute to the state’s growth and development. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership and vision are set to make Andhra Pradesh a powerhouse of human resources, not just nationally but on the global stage.

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh is set to embark on a transformative journey through the Skill Census-2024. This comprehensive initiative underscores Naidu’s commitment to a holistic approach to skilling, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of all sections of society, from the youth to women, rural communities, and tribal populations. The primary objective of the Skill Census-2024 is to bridge the existing skill gaps by conducting an in-depth assessment of the current skill sets and identifying the competencies required by various industries. This data-driven initiative aims to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the necessary training programs to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.

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