Skill Development in Jewellery Sector in India

“An eye for the detail, artistic vision, suitable skill-set, requisite knowledge and training can revolutionize the Indian Jewellery Domain.”

Upskilling has played a vital role in upscaling the aspiring jewellery enthusiasts, artisans, diamond graders & jewellers of India. Skilling under all the areas and functions of the industry such as diamond processing, colored gemstone processing, jewellery manufacturing, wholesale, retail and exports has ensured a prompt contribution to the Indian Gems & Jewellery Industry.

Elevating & empowering in the right way will create a strong and a sustainable future for the generations to come. The Gems and Jewellery industry currently employs about 4.64 million employees and is slated to employ an additional 3.59 million by 2022. When it comes to Short Term Skill Development Training, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana has greatly promoted skill development. Almost 50% of the candidates trained under PMKVY are women. There are promising developments on the ‘jobs-of-the-future’ front too. Based on the National Skills Qualifications Framework criteria, close to 450 job roles will be the focus for the skill training of women.

When the world was on a war with COVID-19 Pandemic, the forever-flourishing Jewellery domain proved that whenever it has faced any adversity, it has performed better than ever. In such challenging times, skill development holds the force behind revamping the jewellery sector in becoming a global leader. In the hustle towards empowering an Atmanirbhar Bharat i.e., Self-reliant India, the wave of self-reliance took over the ship and the domain is on its way towards vigorous empowerment.

As we all know there are two sides of the coin. The first is the organized section, wherein they’ve efficient work-force which is trained & upskilled, time-to-time.  They’ve devised smart strategies and programs which boost employee confidence and enhance their career growth. Eventually, individual growth leads to company’s growth and ultimately the domain gets developed in the best possible way. On the other side of the coin resides the unorganized sector which follows the ‘Over the Job Training’ module, wherein only required skills and experience-based knowledge is imparted to the resources which eventually creates a gap between requisite skill development and quality of output.  

In my point of view, the courses need to be designed & revamped in the best possible way. The curriculum shall hold the traditional aspects, craftsmanship techniques, modern teaching methods, experienced professors and focused education. The talent pool is right there in the market, in my observation, these training institutes need to increase awareness and shall encourage Indian youth to the sector by showcasing career progression opportunities.

Beyond this, if the system will focus more on delivering practical knowledge it can bring on a paradigm shift in the Indian Education Landscape. 

On a concluding note, I believe, with the right training infrastructure, curriculum and most importantly changing of mind-set, the jewellery sector can unlock a brand-new direction towards such talent and skilled work-force.