Education & Skills Development
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Consequently , this relationship should be agile and integrated throughout the young people education and training journeys . An agile approach to industry and academia linkage would be applicable in different situations and respond to changes quickly and easily . Consequently , emerging trends are handled adequately and incorporated in the learning experiences of young people . With the continuously evolving world of work , such as shrinking formal economy and expanding informal sector , interpreting the IAL as a linear process would limit its effectiveness in attainment of training and employment outcomes .
The literal interpretation of IAL becomes a challenge to its implementation . The literal interpretation is inadequate for the dynamic and evolving economy in the present times . Therefore , during implementation , academia should be taken as the formal and informal training and education . Conversely , the industry should mean a diverse work environment not limited to corporations as it has been in the past , but should encompass other industries such as creatives , freelancing and informal sector , gig work among others . Therefore , every work environment that encompasses applying skills and competency that results in earnings for young people allowing them to lead meaningful , dignified , and fulfilling lives should be considered .
What is needed to establish the Academia-Industry linkage ?
The government of Kenya has put efforts to establish this linkage through programs like competencybased curriculum in basic education to Competency Based Education and Training in TVETs to industry-aligned universities . Nonetheless , there is a need for a reimagined approach that shows how industry and academia can enhance education and youth employment outcomes . Such an approach should be relevant in the present times , where youth are still facing high levels of unemployment and discouragement .
Additionally , a mindset shift and expansion of the interpretation could be appropriate . As mentioned earlier , academia and industry have a symbiotic relationship ; the actors in both areas should be involved for a proper interpretation and application of the model . The participation of all actors would reveal some gaps that either side may have left ; hence a comprehensive interpretation is obtained . Most importantly , there needs to be a mindset shift that IAL is a linear process but a dynamic and evolving approach that is able to adjust to changing situations .
Moreover , understanding the appropriate incentives for the relationship to work is essential . Incentives are effective , but only when they are accurately identified . An incentive may be interpreted differently when the needs of the actors are not met appropriately . Proper incentives can fill the gaps causing the industry-academia leakages .
Furthermore , given that we are in the digital era where the fourth industrial revolution has begun taking root , there is a need to remodel education , training , the definition of work , and employment in light of the emerging digital world and digital youth citizens . The power and capabilities of technology can no longer be ignored . Covid- 19 increased the recognition of these capabilities in relation to revolutionizing the nature of work , workers , and workplaces .
Finally , interventions targeting the “ Covid 19 Generation ,” which may take longer to recover from pandemics ’ shackles , are needed . The effectiveness of IAL may fail to be achieved when the needs of this generation are not addressed . The “ Covid 19 Generation ” has been disturbed mentally and emotionally by the pandemics ’ effects . This is one area that needs quick intervention to allow them to become active actors in the linkage .
Feasibility of establishing a suitable IAL
India ’ s economy has been growing consistently . The growth is significantly attributed to its education system , where it shifted from table teaching to experiential teaching ( Waikar & Kushare , 2017 ). The shift is a form of establishing IAL in the country . Consequently , the students focus more on courses that would equip them with the necessary skills to take up jobs immediately after graduation . Moreover , the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015- 2025 has emphasized the benefits of industry and academia linkage ( Ministry of education Malaysia , 2015 ). Consequently , it has been successfully implemented in the universities . Furthermore , the American Council on Education ( 2019 ) guide on the U . S higher education system has shown that the United States has also successfully implemented IAL . Certainly , it is possible to implement IAL effectively in the country and reap its benefits fully .
Closing the leakage and improving the linkage will not be a one size fit all approach . Context-specific interventions , data-driven decisions , leveraging digital technologies , appropriate national , sectoral , and industry-specific policies , and putting youth voices at the center stage is crucial . These considerations will ensure that the challenges impeding successful linkage have been handled effectively .
Dr . Ehud Gachugu is the Director Ajira Digital and Youth Employment Program under Kenya Private Sector Alliance ( KEPSA )
EdSource Quarterly | Oct-Dec l 2021