In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the disparity in the academic education and the skills demanded by employers has widened. This has sparked discussions and initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between the talent sought by industries and the training provided to individuals.
All Things Talent hosted Dr. Anuj Kacker, CEO– Interim, Aptech Ltd, to delve into and innovative strategies for bridging the skills gap and enhancing individuals’ skills to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.
Aptech Limited has a rich legacy spanning over three decades and boasting a global presence. How has this legacy shaped the organization’s vision and approach towards vocational education?
Aptech has a long-standing history of focusing on one core aspect: preparing young students for the industry. We strategically target sectors with high demand for mass employment, operating not only in India but also in 25 other countries. Annually, we train approximately 125,000 students, a testament to our global footprint and impact.
Reflecting on our journey, in the 1980s, we initiated computer education by establishing our first education center for the burgeoning IT industry. Witnessing the industry’s nascent stage in India, we identified opportunities abroad, particularly in the US and Europe. This trend persisted until the 1990s, followed by the onset of offshoring. We recognized the potential and quickly expanded to major cities and countries outside India. This catalyzed a paradigm shift in the IT landscape, positioning Aptech as a pioneering force in India’s IT Talent narrative.
Subsequently, in the 2000s, we expanded into animation, transforming the multimedia sector from print and publishing to encompass dynamic visual effects (VFX) and gaming. Our adaptability extends to diverse industries, reflecting our commitment to staying abreast of evolving market trends.
Our strength lies in our ability to anticipate and capitalize on early market indicators, thereby nurturing talent tailored to emerging industry needs. We have witnessed and adapted to waves of change in IT, multimedia, VFX, and other immersive technologies, fostering Aptech’s growth story.
Compared to large campuses, our decentralized approach, comprising approximately 800 education centers worldwide, enables us to tap into talent from every corner of the globe. This decentralized model ensures that talent flourishes irrespective of geographical constraints, a feat unattainable through traditional centralized campuses.
The gap between academic learning and industry requirements is a significant challenge faced by many educational institutions. How does Aptech identify and address this gap, particularly through its course offerings and teaching methodologies?
Yes, there are gaps, but it’s essential to understand their origins. These gaps stem from specific areas, particularly when technology and industry requirements evolve, and the education and training setup fails to align with these changing needs. Secondly, there exists a disparity between the perception of potential talent and the industry’s expectations. Aptech’s strength lies in recognizing and addressing these two types of gaps.
India produces approximately 15 lakh engineering graduates annually, yet only about 25% of them are deemed employable by the industry, as evidenced by the data. There is immense pressure on students to conform to their parents’ aspirations, often investing significant sums—like 10 lakhs—only to secure a job with a modest salary of 3-4 LPA (lakhs per annum). In contrast, enrolling in a vocational training program in high-demand domain, costing between 1-2 lakhs rupees for a 12-15-month course, one may land a job with an average salary ranging from 20-25 thousand rupees (per month).
Furthermore, campus hiring is predominantly focused on aptitude rather than skill, with recruiters grooming candidates within their own training programs. In contrast, Aptech ensures its candidates are equipped with essential skills before entering the job market.
It’s important to note that some hiring gaps can be beneficial, indicating industry changes to which Aptech is committed to adapting. Additionally, there’s a need for regular updates to the curriculum in formal education to keep pace with evolving industry requirements.
Could you elaborate on Aptech’s practical approach to education? How does the organization ensure that students acquire not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills demanded by employers?
Practical skill is the top business proposition that we’ve built over the last 30 years. However, theoretical knowledge is the foundation on which we have established our brand. We engage in project work and create simulated situations akin to the environments they would encounter in official settings.
We recently initiated a program called “100 Hours,” where students are tasked with completing a given project within a 100-hour timeframe. During these continuous hours, students immerse themselves fully, including eating and sleeping, to ensure project completion.
Our goal is to cultivate a work-like environment, providing critical time for students to excel. We integrate practical approaches into every aspect of their learning experience. I am proud to say that we prepare our students not only for the initial years of their careers but also for the next 30 years of their lives.
Looking towards the future, what are Aptech’s key priorities and initiatives to further enhance its impact on vocational education and skill development?
Aptech, as an education and training provider, continuously evaluates areas of manpower needs with mass appeal. In terms of skills, there is no shortage of talent in India; rather, it requires refinement. Indians are known for being fast learners, adaptive, and diligent workers, and today’s young India is highly aspirational. Therefore, we must focus on developing the non-technical skills of our talent pool, including personality, communication, and teamwork, as these are equally important.
Workplaces are undergoing dynamic changes, and students must keep pace with these transformations. This necessitates flexible timings, curriculum, and duration of education. Spending more than a year on technical education that could be completed in nine months is a disservice to students, resulting in missed earning opportunities. No one has adequately addressed this loss in earning potential. It’s imperative to teach people the necessary skills efficiently to enhance their productivity and earning potential.
In education, there are two concepts: credential-oriented and industry-oriented. The era of focusing solely on credentials, such as BA, MA, or BBA, is over. Instead, the emphasis should be on acquiring credentials for the skills one possesses. Employers value skills over credentials; therefore, the obsession with credentials needs to be replaced with a focus on skills acquisition.
Dr. Anuj Kacker is the Chief Executive Officer – Interim at Aptech Ltd since July 2023. In his previous role as the Executive Director and President at Aptech, Dr. Kacker headed the Global Retail Businesses. With an experience of over 36 years, the expertise and wisdom that he brings, has made him an esteemed leader within the company as well as in the Education, Training and Skill Building industry. Dr. Kacker’s influence also extends beyond the organization, earning him respect in the business community and the student fraternity, alike.
