According to the Human Development Report 2020, 78.8% of workers in India are unskilled.
This is just one of many stark facts:
Present-day labour markets are structured so entry-level wages in the organised sector differ little from casual daily wage labour. While state programs focus on skills relevant to the formal sector, such as computer training and retail, skill development resources for industries like construction need to be more evolved.
Given that the construction sector is the largest employer of migrant workers, with over 40 million workers, any transformation in this area depends on a sustainable and scalable skilling program that targets both construction and related sectors.
Since 2004, Aajeevika Bureau has focused on the well-being and advancement of rural migrants and youth, particularly in southern Rajasthan and Gujarat. In 2011, Aajeevika launched the Skill Training Employability and Placement (STEP) Academy. One of STEP Academy’s unique initiatives is the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, designed for skilled workers in construction and service sectors who are currently employed and cannot afford to take time off for classroom training.
Aajeevika Bureau invited an initial consulting evaluation to assess the impact and relevance of the OJT program in terms of improving socio-economic conditions for migrant populations.
To achieve this objective, the research team at niiti consulting designed a study measuring the program’s impact, with encouraging results.
Most participants saw an immediate wage increase upon starting the OJT program. While 60% completed the program within the recommended 45 days, others took around 60 days to finish and become certified “karigar” (skilled artisans). On average, OJT trainees received a wage increase commensurate with their newly acquired skills within four months.
A highlight of the study was the strong understanding among participants of their rights and life skills, which enhanced job retention, employability, and demand for better working conditions. Nearly 88% knew where to seek help and mediation if pre-negotiated wages were withheld, and a significant number of trainees reported being part of a workers’ collective or associated with a “shramik kendra” (labour centre).
Aajeevika’s field experience reinforced the importance of going beyond technical skills. Migrant workers, often from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds, face challenges with low confidence, low aspirations, and limited bargaining power. Life skills training was essential to help them succeed in their jobs.
Quality of Life Improvement Through Wage Increase
The OJT program is relevant and addresses workers’ needs for improved income and employability. Enrollment in OJT has been increasing since 2012. Approximately 60% of OJT trainees recruited annually received certification and had their training validated by supervisors.
Validation and certification as “karigar” helped workers improve their wages at their current worksite and enabled many to pursue independent contract work. This demonstrates the portability and market relevance of the acquired skills.
When asked about the average time to wage increase, 89% of OJT trainees reported higher daily wages within six months—significantly faster than the control group. Nearly all OJT trainees (100%) saw a wage increase within a year, reflecting the program’s fast turnaround time; 90% of workers trained through OJT completed their training within two months, significantly faster than skilled workers in the control group, most of whom took three months or longer.
Retention
A key outcome of OJT training is improved worker retention at their worksite, offering a stable income. Retention is better when workers demonstrate productivity, and strong work ethics, and receive supervisor recognition. The study found that trainees stayed at a worksite for an average of 199 days, or a little over six months, compared to about 50 days for the skilled control group.
Almost 88% of OJT trainees knew they could seek help if pre-negotiated wages were not paid, compared to 63% of skilled peers. This indicates better self-confidence and faith in negotiation skills, likely bolstered by having an in-demand skill.
Around 78% of OJT-trained workers felt they could work independently of their supervisor, on par with other skilled karigars. About 10% felt confident taking up both small and large contractual work, reflecting improved aspirations post-OJT. Significantly, 90% of OJT trainees felt capable of training others in their trade, indicating they viewed themselves as established professionals.
Impact of OJT on Women Workers
The study also examined the impact of the OJT apprenticeship model on women. The number of women respondents was small, reflecting the small number of women at worksites and even fewer enrolled in skilling programs. The Niiti team observed a conscious effort by STEP Academy and Aajeevika Bureau program staff to increase female participation in OJT over the years.
Program Feedback
The success story of Vikas Kumar exemplifies the transformative impact of the OJT program.
Final Thoughts
The On-the-Job Training (OJT) program at Aajeevika Bureau’s STEP Academy has made strides in the betterment of the status quo of workers in the construction and service sectors by offering practical training. This has helped in improving their skills and understanding of their rights. The attempt to integrate more women into the program assisted in tackling gender disparities in these fields. The OJT Training initiative demonstrates that the projects focused on skill development can have an astronomical influence on the lives of those working in fields that are frequently disregarded, underserved, and marginalised.
For more details, you can find the complete report here: Aajevika_STEP_OTJT_niiti_programme_impact_report.pdf
