Page 35 - EdSource Issue No02

Education & Skills Development 35

Consequently, this relationship Additionally, a mindset shift and Feasibility of establishing a suitable
should be agile and integrated expansion of the interpretation IAL
throughout the young people could be appropriate. As mentioned
education and training journeys. earlier, academia and industry India’s economy has been
An agile approach to industry have a symbiotic relationship; the growing consistently. The growth
and academia linkage would be actors in both areas should be is significantly attributed to its
applicable in different situations involved for a proper interpretation education system, where it shifted
and respond to changes quickly and application of the model. from table teaching to experiential
and easily. Consequently, emerging The participation of all actors teaching (Waikar & Kushare, 2017).
trends are handled adequately would reveal some gaps that The shift is a form of establishing IAL
and incorporated in the learning either side may have left; hence a in the country. Consequently, the
experiences of young people. comprehensive interpretation is students focus more on courses that
With the continuously evolving obtained. Most importantly, there would equip them with the necessary
world of work, such as shrinking needs to be a mindset shift that IAL skills to take up jobs immediately
formal economy and expanding is a linear process but a dynamic after graduation. Moreover, the
informal sector, interpreting the and evolving approach that is able Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015-
IAL as a linear process would limit to adjust to changing situations. 2025 has emphasized the benefits
its effectiveness in attainment of of industry and academia linkage

training and employment outcomes. Moreover, understanding the (Ministry of education Malaysia,
appropriate incentives for the 2015). Consequently, it has been
The literal interpretation of relationship to work is essential. successfully implemented in the
IAL becomes a challenge to Incentives are effective, but only universities. Furthermore, the
its implementation. The literal when they are accurately identified. American Council on Education
interpretation is inadequate for the An incentive may be interpreted (2019) guide on the U.S higher
dynamic and evolving economy in differently when the needs of the education system has shown
the present times. Therefore, during actors are not met appropriately. that the United States has also
implementation, academia should Proper incentives can fill the gaps successfully implemented IAL.
be taken as the formal and informal causing the industry-academia Certainly, it is possible to implement
training and education. Conversely, leakages. IAL effectively in the country and
the industry should mean a diverse reap its benefits fully.
work environment not limited Furthermore, given that we are in
to corporations as it has been in the digital era where the fourth Closing the leakage and improving
the past, but should encompass industrial revolution has begun the linkage will not be a one size
other industries such as creatives, taking root, there is a need to fit all approach. Context-specific
freelancing and informal sector, remodel education, training, the interventions, data-driven decisions,
gig work among others. Therefore, definition of work, and employment leveraging digital technologies,
every work environment that in light of the emerging digital world appropriate national, sectoral,
encompasses applying skills and and digital youth citizens. The power and industry-specific policies, and
competency that results in earnings and capabilities of technology putting youth voices at the center
for young people allowing them can no longer be ignored. Covid- stage is crucial. These considerations
to lead meaningful, dignified, and 19 increased the recognition of will ensure that the challenges
fulfilling lives should be considered. these capabilities in relation to impeding successful linkage have
revolutionizing the nature of work, been handled effectively.
What is needed to establish the workers, and workplaces.
Academia-Industry linkage? Dr. Ehud Gachugu is the Director
Finally, interventions targeting Ajira Digital and Youth Employment
The government of Kenya has put the “ Covid 19 Generation,” which Program under Kenya Private Sector
efforts to establish this linkage may take longer to recover from Alliance (KEPSA)
through programs like competency- pandemics’ shackles, are needed.
based curriculum in basic education The effectiveness of IAL may fail
to Competency Based Education and to be achieved when the needs of
Training in TVETs to industry-aligned this generation are not addressed.
universities. Nonetheless, there is a The “Covid 19 Generation” has been
need for a reimagined approach that disturbed mentally and emotionally
shows how industry and academia by the pandemics’ effects. This is one
can enhance education and youth area that needs quick intervention
employment outcomes. Such an to allow them to become active
approach should be relevant in the actors in the linkage.
present times, where youth are still
facing high levels of unemployment
and discouragement.

EdSource Quarterly | Oct-Dec l 2021