KU organises day-long training prog on employability skills

Srinagar, Sep 10: To help students navigate one of the critical phases of their career transition from students to professionals, the University of Kashmir (KU) Tuesday organised a one-day training programme here.

Titled ‘Employability Skills for End Semester Students of University of Kashmir’, the programme organised by the Centre for Capacity Building and Skill Development (CCBSD), KU, focused on equipping students with the essential skills needed for job applications, CV writing and interview preparation, helping them succeed in both corporate and government sectors.

Speaking at the event, Dean Research, KU, Prof M Sultan Bhat, highlighted the widening gap between education and employment, describing it as a serious threat to the nation’s socio-economic structure.

“A smartphone, if used positively, is the most powerful tool this generation has to excel,” he added.

In his special remarks, KU Prof Naseer Iqbal, emphasised the importance of forward-thinking in career planning.

“The tragedy we face is that we often don't contemplate ‘what’s next’. I hope non-seriousness never touches anyone’s heart. Having a goal and a dream is essential. You will love life only when you have a dream to work towards, and for that, you need to put in hard work,” he said, advising students to limit their use of smartphones.

Quoting Charles Darwin, Director, Directorate of Employment and Counselling, Dr Nisar Ahmad Wani, emphasised the "struggle for existence”.

He stated, “A mere 1% increase in skill can lead to a 0.33% rise in wages per hour and a 0.66% improvement in employability. Focus on mastering the skills that are in demand to carve out your niche.”

He also mentioned the ‘Yuva Programme’, which aims to generate five lakh jobs for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir over the next five years. Dr Wani encouraged students to remain hopeful and persistent in their efforts.

Dean of School of Open Learning, KU, Prof Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, stressed the need for adaptability in a fast-changing world driven by technological advances.

“With the changing circumstances, things in system have changed with changes in technology, so we have to change ourselves too,” he maintained.

He also noted the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) upcoming initiative that will require students to dedicate one semester exclusively to internships or skill development.

In his welcome address, Coordinator, CCBSD, Dr Aadil Bashir, underlined the importance of skill development alongside academic degrees.