When I think about the future of work, I often find myself reflecting on the gap between what we learn in classrooms and what the real world expects from us. For many of us, education has been about books, exams, and degrees. But life after school quickly teaches us that knowledge alone is not enough; we also need skills, adaptability, and the confidence to stand on our own feet. This is where vocational training steps in, offering not just an alternative path but a powerful tool to empower the workforce of tomorrow.
Vocational training is often looked at as a second choice, as if it were meant only for those who could not excel in academics. But it is a bridge between education and employment, preparing people to meet practical challenges with real skills. Whether it is in healthcare, technology, crafts, hospitality, or construction, vocational training gives people the ability to earn, to create, and to contribute meaningfully to society. It transforms education from something abstract into something alive, something that directly impacts livelihoods.
In my own experience, I have seen how skill-based training changes lives. I know people who, despite struggling with formal education, discovered their strengths through vocational courses. Their journey showed me that dignity does not come from a degree alone, but from the ability to use one’s hands and mind to build a future. One striking example is Aziz-ul-Rehman from Srinagar, who runs Stick and Bones. He creates beautiful art from scrap animal bones and other discarded materials, turning waste into jewellery, décor, and craft that now reaches audiences far beyond Kashmir. His journey shows how passion and skill can transform even the most unexpected resources into livelihood and recognition. It’s an example of how vocational training not only provides financial stability but also instils a sense of independence and pride, qualities that every society needs in abundance.
Another area that often goes unnoticed in discussions of training and empowerment is the physical well-being of young people, especially girls. While boys are often encouraged to play outdoors and pursue sports, girls are too frequently told to stay within limits. But if we are serious about building a strong workforce, girls must be given equal opportunities in sports and physical training. Their bodies need strength and resilience just as much as their minds need knowledge. Physical health is not a luxury, it is a necessity that shapes confidence, discipline, and endurance. When we deny girls these opportunities, we deny them the chance to discover their true potential, not just in sports but in life itself.
It is also important to acknowledge a hard truth: book knowledge alone gets you nowhere when it comes to the real world. Memorizing facts or collecting certificates might win marks, but it does not guarantee survival in a society where practical ability matters most. You cannot fix a machine, heal a patient, or manage a crisis with theory alone, you need skills. And it is this very gap between knowledge and ability that vocational training seeks to fill. The real world rewards those who can do, not only those who know.
At the same time, we must change the way we look at talent. As the famous saying goes, “You should not judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree.” Every child has a unique gift, and it is unfair to measure everyone by the same academic yardstick. A child who shines on the sports field but struggles in the classroom deserves as much appreciation as a child who tops in exams. Their strength lies in agility, teamwork, and endurance, skills that are just as valuable in life as mathematics or literature. If we only celebrate one kind of intelligence, we risk silencing the brilliance of countless others.
This is why vocational training and encouragement in diverse fields are so important. They remind us that success is not one-dimensional. A society that recognizes and nurtures different abilities, whether it is in sports, art, craft, or technical work, creates space for everyone to flourish. And when every individual is allowed to grow in their own way, the entire community moves forward with greater strength and balance.
The beauty of vocational training lies in its inclusiveness. It opens doors for those who may feel left behind in traditional systems, and it equips young people with the tools to face the uncertainties of a fast-changing economy. With industries evolving, automation rising, and new professions emerging, the demand for skilled workers is only going to grow. Academic excellence may win recognition, but skill-based knowledge ensures survival and progress.
As I see it, vocational training is not just about jobs; it is about empowerment. It gives people the courage to dream, the capacity to act, and the resilience to adapt. It makes us realize that every form of work, whether repairing machines, designing clothes, or providing care, is valuable. In empowering individuals, vocational training strengthens entire communities, paving the way for a workforce that is not only competent but also confident.
Most importantly, we must teach our children to respect every vocation and every skill. No profession should be looked down upon, because dignity lies in work itself. A child who learns to value the efforts of a carpenter, a farmer, or a driver will grow up with humility and openness. And when children are taught to appreciate all forms of work, they feel encouraged to explore, to try their hand at everything, and to carry forward a future where no skill is considered lesser.
The workforce of tomorrow will not be built on certificates alone but on skills that matter. And vocational training, with its promise of relevance, inclusiveness, and dignity, is the key to unlocking that future.
Shafiya Showkat is pursuing M.A English from Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi and can be reached at shafiyawani33@gmail.com
