A two-day workshop aimed at introducing school students to emerging career opportunities and workplace trends began on Tuesday at PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School in Prothrapur, bringing together students, educators and national education experts as part of a collaborative initiative aligned with the National Education Policy.
The workshop on “World of Work” is being organised jointly by the National Assessment Centre PARAKH under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi, and the State Institute of Education of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The programme focuses on helping secondary school students understand career pathways and the changing nature of work in a rapidly evolving global economy.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts under the National Education Policy 2020 to integrate vocational awareness and skill-based learning within the school education system. By introducing students to the concept of the “world of work” at the secondary level, education authorities aim to encourage early exposure to career possibilities and skill development.
The workshop has drawn participation from 80 students of Classes IX and X along with their respective class teachers. The sessions are designed to engage students in discussions and activities that help them explore various professions, industries and technological developments shaping future employment landscapes.
Inaugurating the programme, the Head and Chief Executive Officer of PARAKH and the Educational Survey Division of NCERT, Indrani Bhaduri, highlighted the growing importance of introducing students to workplace concepts during their school years. The session emphasised the need for young learners to understand the evolving nature of careers and the skills required in modern workplaces.
The workshop sessions are being facilitated by resource persons from PARAKH who are guiding students through interactive discussions on employment trends, professional skills and the changing demands of industries. These sessions aim to create awareness among students about both traditional career paths and new opportunities emerging from technological and economic changes.
During the programme, participants were introduced to 36 emerging job sectors identified by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. These sectors reflect areas where employment opportunities are expected to grow in the coming years, including fields related to technology, services and specialised industries.
Students were also exposed to global developments influencing the future of work, including the role of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Discussions during the sessions explored how such technologies are transforming industries and creating new career opportunities while also altering existing job roles.
Education officials involved in the workshop said initiatives like the “World of Work” programme are designed to bridge the gap between school education and professional life. By understanding workplace expectations early, students can make more informed decisions regarding their higher education and career choices.
The sessions also aim to help students recognise the importance of developing a combination of academic knowledge and practical skills. Along with technical competencies, emphasis is being placed on soft skills such as communication, adaptability and problem-solving, which are increasingly valued across professions.
Earlier in the programme, the Principal of the State Institute of Education addressed the gathering as the chief guest and spoke about the importance of exposing students to diverse career options at an early stage. The interaction highlighted how vocational education, career awareness and skill development can play a key role in preparing students for the future.
Teachers accompanying the students are also participating in the sessions, enabling them to integrate career guidance discussions within classroom learning. Education officials believe that teachers can play a critical role in encouraging students to explore different career paths and build skills relevant to the modern workplace.
The workshop represents part of a broader push to strengthen vocational awareness within school education in the islands. With the National Education Policy emphasising skill development and experiential learning, programmes such as the “World of Work” initiative aim to equip students with knowledge about the diverse opportunities available in the evolving employment landscape.
Officials noted that exposure to career possibilities during school years can help students align their interests, education choices and professional aspirations more effectively. Through such workshops, education authorities hope to encourage students to view learning not only as academic progress but also as preparation for participation in the wider world of work.
