Encouraging Vocational Training for SDG 8 Goals

Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. In India, where unemployment and skill gaps remain challenges, vocational training plays a key role in boosting employability and economic stability. Corporate CSR initiatives, NGO partnerships, and employee volunteering can help bridge the skill gap and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Why Vocational Training is Crucial for Economic Growth

Vocational training ensures that individuals, especially youth and marginalized groups, are equipped with job-ready skills. Key statistics highlight the impact:

• Over 53% of India’s youth are unemployable due to lack of industry-specific skills.
• Vocational training can improve job placement rates by 40% for underprivileged communities.
• CSR-funded skill development programs lead to higher retention and employment sustainability.

How CSR Can Support Vocational Training Initiatives

1. Industry-Specific Training Programs for Youth

• Companies can fund sector-focused training in areas like IT, manufacturing, renewable energy, and healthcare.
• These programs have helped increase employment rates by 35% in vocational trainees.

2. Upskilling Women for Workforce Inclusion

• CSR initiatives can support women-led vocational training in tailoring, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship.
• Women’s employment in India could add $770 billion to the GDP with the right skill-based training.

3. Corporate Volunteering for Skill-Based Mentorship

• Employees can engage in mentorship programs, resume-building workshops, and career guidance sessions.
• Companies that offer employee volunteering programs see a 25% boost in workforce engagement.

4. Supporting Rural and Semi-Urban Vocational Training Centers

• Establishing training hubs in rural areas increases accessibility to technical and soft skills training.
• Vocational centers improve rural job placements by 30%.

How Businesses Can Take Action on SDG 8

Fund vocational training programs in high-demand job sectors.

Encourage corporate volunteering for mentorship and upskilling sessions.

Support women’s skill development initiatives to boost gender inclusivity.

Partner with NGOs focusing on workforce development and employment sustainability.

Conclusion

Vocational training is a powerful tool for economic empowerment. Companies that integrate CSR-led training programs, corporate volunteering, and NGO partnerships into their sustainability strategies contribute to higher employment rates, workforce development, and overall economic growth.

To make this happen you can partner with organisation like marpu foundation NGO. To learn more, visit www.marpu.org.