Reskilling in the Era of AI
I arrived in Hyderabad in 1982, and since there were no official housing options, I rented a section of a house in the Vidyanagar neighbourhood. From there, I would take the local train to Uppuguda, and as a form of physical exercise, I would walk 2 km to DRDL from the station. The ‘Lab Quarters’ in Kanchanbagh, adjacent to the workplace, were offered to me only after a few years. I thought I had left behind that phase of my life but when I recently found myself near Vidyanagar railway station, it was a déjà vu moment.
Mr. K. Srinivasa Rao, Regional Director of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and Director of the National Instructional Media Institute, Chennai, invited me to the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Vidyanagar. I recalled everything from then on. After forty years of transformation, the site of a sparingly occupied campus, Central Training Institute (CTI), is now the epicentre of the National Skill Programme, the prime minister’s flagship initiative.
The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) is organising employment-oriented resettlement training courses for retired/ retiring Armed Forces personnel with the National Skill India Mission to increase the employability of veterans. Industries such as capital goods, aerospace and aviation (drone technology), and automobiles are the primary foci of the initiative. Disabled service members, widows and dependents are among the groups whose skill sets are addressed. Its ultimate goal is ensuring their successful resettlement by providing them 100% work prospects. The National Instructional Media Institute is creating material and pedagogy for the Indian Armed Forces, and 33 NSTIs nationwide will participate in the program to help 70,000 former service members find meaningful employment when they retire.
Four weeks of Welding Technology, one week of Metrology and Engineering Inspection, three weeks of AutoCAD 2D & 3D, and four weeks devoted to CNC Programming, Operation and Maintenance comprise the three-month Production Technology course at NSTI Vidyanagar. Additionally, NSTI Vidyanagar offers armed forces members a three-month Basics of Automobile training. In addition, students can get specialised knowledge in drone technology by enrolling in a three-month course offered by NSTI Ramanthapur. These programs are set to be held in the following states: Odisha (in Bhubaneswar), Rajasthan (in Jaipur), Bihar (in Patna), Jamshedpur (in Jharkhand) and Tamil Nadu (in Chennai). DGR has given the go-ahead for these events.
The participants from the Army, Air Force and Navy were all dressed in their uniforms, and it was clear that they were physically and mentally prepared for the task at hand. Without hesitation, they radiated enthusiasm, energy, and a simple-mindedness, which is mostly lost as a virtue by people in general, lately. As they were mainly from northern India, they loved me speaking in Hindi. I shared with them about Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and how destiny operates. Young Kalam was rejected during the Air Force selection but eventually received the salute from the Air Force Chief as the President of India. His dream of flying an aircraft was also fulfilled when he co-piloted the Su-30 fighter jet on June 8, 2006, at the Lohegaon Air Force Base in Pune. I engaged in a lively discussion with the participants afterwards.
Top firms value former military personnel for their inherent skills, which include leadership, teamwork, honesty, risk management and problem-solving. These qualities help individuals negotiate complicated and risky situations. An increasing number of positions in the commercial, supply chain, project decision-making, O&M (operations and maintenance) and frontline sectors are going to veterans. The issue arises when lower-ranking veterans are stuck in doing traditional duties of administration and security.
Drawing on his extensive background of more than 30 years in training, curriculum development and production of instructional materials, Mr. Rao has chosen to go outside the box, in this case. His crystal-clear explanation on reskilling and upskilling captivated me. Big Data and similar technologies, he claims, are gaining prominence since they enable domain specialists to sift through mountains of data in pursuit of fresh insights. However, the demand for data analysts is outpacing the supply. Disruptive technologies like the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence face the same situation. Businesses can benefit from reskilling and upskilling programs because they provide employees with the tools to tackle new challenges.
According to Mr. Rao, the goal of reskilling (sometimes called professional recycling) is to prepare workers to transition to a new role within the organisation, while the goal of upskilling is to teach workers new skills to maximise their performance. The former produces more adaptable employees, while the latter makes more specialised ones. Companies in India are increasingly recognising the importance of veterans and actively seeking out both reskilling and upskilling. In the future, artificial intelligence will be doing most of the automated tasks, allowing organisations to concentrate on enhancing the distinctive traits essential to human progress: trust, creativity, leadership, and learning. NSTIs are working to make this vision a reality.
Some 60,000 service members are released or retire each year relatively early compared to other careers to keep the military young. Job offers were extended to over 25,000 veterans from various industries annually. In Mr. Rao’s opinion, this can easily be doubled by helping people gain new skills and easing their transition into a second career. With the right kind of individualised induction, sensitisation, and curated learning programs, veterans can transition back into civilian life and find new opportunities in various corporate and supply chain roles.
Mr. Rao graciously invited me to lunch with his colleagues. The same food that the trainees at the institution eat was served. It was healthy, delicious, and straightforward. By tapping into the knowledge of individuals already established in the skilling industry, I sought their advice on best incorporating AI into existing processes. Focusing on developing the unique human abilities that differentiate humans from machines, was the resounding response I received.
They all agreed that soft skills are more critical than ever. To succeed in the AI era, humans need to be able to communicate, think critically, creatively, emotionally, intelligently, adaptably, and make decisions. Either AI will be unable to match human soft skills, or even if this happens, the middle-aged generation will surpass AI in these abilities within a few years’ time, if not longer. Subsequent generations will have more modern means of subsistence and advancement.
Several military members took selfies with me following the group shot, which humbled me. One of them confided in me, saying that seeing Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in person was a dream that could never happen for him, but he felt as if it finally happened by meeting me. The strength of the Indian people’s faith brought tears to my eyes. How can machines ever match this, I wondered.
Without a shadow of a doubt, every veteran possesses the potential to make a significant difference, propel innovation, and help build a better, more equitable, and more sustainable society. The benefits that a person receives by joining the Military Service are invaluable. The trend will be to serve in the military for a few years as AI tightens its grasp. Also, our schools should start offering degrees and diplomas that teach people how to do things that computers can’t do so that they can keep up with the times. AI’s influence is directly proportional to the caliber of its users. Technology adoption isn’t enough to ensure a smooth integration; strong human collaboration will be essential, and what NSTI is doing is the most actively needed service to our nation and society.
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….every veteran possesses the potential to make a significant difference, propel innovation, and help build a better, more equitable, and more sustainable society!
Human Resources (HR) plays a crucial role in addressing the impact of AI on the workforce. As an HR practitioners, I am already seeing a lot of activity involving Assess Workforce Skills and Needs, Develop Training Programs, Foster a Learning Culture, Support Career Mobility, Enhance Employee Engagement, Recruitment Strategies, Retirement Planning Support, and Monitor Trends and Adapt Policies. By taking these actions, HR can play a pivotal role in ensuring that the organization and its employees navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI effectively.
Reskilling of veterans is a very welcome thing and should be promoted considering fact that they retire very early ( A Colonel retires at 54!) and at that time they have whole lot of experience and fire power which can be used gainfully. But the problem comes with the ability to operate in a working environment of matrix of decision making and the alien concept for them…that people dont work just by ordering.
The decision to upskill (enhancing existing skills to keep pace with evolving job requirements), reskill (learning new skills to transition to different roles or industries), or retire should be based on personal circumstances, career goals, and market trends. Embracing lifelong learning and staying informed about industry changes can greatly influence the choices individuals make in response to AI advancements. Employees can consider your current role and the relevance of your skills. Identify areas where you can upskill or re-skill effectively . Employers must invest in training programs to help employees adapt and thrive in an AI-driven environment, fostering a culture of continuous learning. These proactive steps can help navigate the changes brought about by AI, enhancing career resilience and opportunities.
Fascinating blog focusing on human abilities that set apart from machines, Prof Tiwariji !
Your advice to train people in the human attributes that computers don’t have will go a long way in the era of AI !!
One interesting fact regarding the relationship between people and technology is that, despite being its inventors, they have sometimes dreaded technology before finally accepting it as a partner in the simplifying of life. Growing up in the pre-Internet era, I witnessed significant worry about using computers in companies. It was almost amusing how these same individuals, during the following ten years, changed their viewpoint, lauding IT ceaselessly for creating wealthy possibilities and putting their country on the worldwide employment scene.
The AI revolution will impact life and work in what good ways? It is impossible to predict as any new technology is as excellent as people make. Should the AI revolution encourage a period of cooperation between humans and artificial intelligence rather than one of competition, it will be a blessing. HR and L&D have to be at the forefront of defining a hopeful future by arming people to thrive in an AI-augmented setting.
Beautiful piece of writing that underscores the invaluable role of human qualities like leadership and adaptability in the age of AI and the importance of integrating both technology and human collaboration for societal progress.
Thank you for this excellent post Prof. Tiwari! AI is certainly changing the way we work, socialize, invent, defend our nations, and more. I commend you for highlighting Mr. Rao’s efforts in advancing the National Skill Programme initiative to prepare India for the massive changes ahead! God Bless!
While highlighting the importance of AI, you have stressed the simultaneous role of human beings in the processes.
Eventually, emotions cannot be replaced, and life without emotions cannot be complete.
Once again, congratulations and Best Wishes. Jai Shri Krishna.
Great one Arunji. This is the important message landing very well for me through this article – the key is not to resist change but to flow with it, reskilling with curiosity and purpose. And what can be more noble than empowering veterans who have given good part of their life serving the nation. Wish this thought becomes a widespread reality impacting millions of lives so positively.
Regarding narration—like your blog—no AI will ever be able to match a human. People may do more than relay facts; they can also craft compelling stories that motivate others to take action. You should be skilled in persuading others, inspiring groups, and turning even the most boring job into an exciting adventure through the power of narrative. Although AI can produce large amounts of information, it cannot replicate the human element that makes tales genuinely memorable. You have the gift of making these AI-generated stories come alive with your unique blend of humor, emotion, and anecdotes.
Dear Sir, It is a blog that is both relevant to the present and valuable for those working in education. Coding schools and data science degrees are no longer as appealing. Skills centred around people, the “soft skills” that machines can’t yet duplicate, will be in high demand in the future workplace. Investing in yourself by honing these crucial soft skills is more than just looking good on paper; it’s about making a positive change that will benefit your job and personal life. At least, in the healthcare industry, soft skills will be the most crucial factor. In my ideal world, elderly individuals would not be afraid to share their wisdom and knowledge with an AI engine but would gladly do so. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Sir, Greetings! This blog beautifully captures the evolution of Vidyanagar and the transformative impact of skill development initiatives for veterans. Your journey intertwined with the larger narrative of reskilling and upskilling makes for an engaging read. The reference to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam adds an inspiring touch, emphasising the power of perseverance and destiny. The insights on AI and human soft skills highlight a crucial aspect of the future workforce. Well-articulated and deeply thought-provoking! I enjoyed reading again and again. Warm Regards.
Arun ji, commendable blog. Congratulations. With the advanced technologies getting absorbed in to the main stream, the only way to survive is by getting reskilled and up skilled. Of course, it will benefit people with energy, enthusiasm and simplistic attitude and mind set. Soft skills play an important enabling role to get things done or to communicate what is done in an inspiringly way. I have continuously reskilled and up skilled consciously to succeed in multiple assignments in different industries and sectors during the past 48 years of experience.
This advisory is so timely. Both on how we can optimize on positive disruptions that are becoming part of our lives , and how we utilize the years of experience from our veterans who are being retired on an age basis. Re-skilling is critical across all spheres. The skill sets that were never taught in institutions but come as result of practice and patience , are becoming more elusive, yet in many instances, they have been the difference between our existence and total collapse (or if you wish annihilation) of the human race. How can we not see their essence?
Wonderful blog.
I wonder whether what was called as a CTI has transformed into a new organisation. I had gone there and found that the skills imparted are matchless. Thanks to the yeoman services rendered by the staff of this institute(not available in text books or elsewhere), the veterans can upskill and pass on their discipline and single minded devotion in carrying out the tasks. It is a matter of pride that the upskilling would also hone the soft skills.
My compliments and best wishes to the ‘knowledge and skill providers’ at NSTI.
P.S. On the sidelines : Your house at Vidyanagar, the walk from Uppuguda along with Dr Laxminarayanan, Dr Ramanuja Chary, Mr Swamy and Mr Ram Mohan are moments that I cherish.
ARUN THE THOUGHTS ABOUT MILITARY SERVICES AND THEIR SKILLS IS VERY INSPIRING AND APPROPRIATE THE IDEA OF SKILLS UNIVERSITY AND AFFLIATED INSTITUTIONS IS VERY APPEALING AND NOVEL TO MAKE PEOPLE WORK READY AND EMPLOYABLE
You make every blog so very readable!
Your blog beautifully captures the essence of personal nostalgia, national service, and the transformative power of skill development. The seamless connection between your own journey and the evolution of Vidyanagar into a hub of reskilling for veterans reflects the dynamic progress of India’s workforce development. The commitment of NSTI and the Directorate General Resettlement to empowering ex-servicemen with cutting-edge skills is commendable, ensuring they continue contributing meaningfully to society beyond their military careers.
Your reflections on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s journey and the deep emotional connection veterans felt meeting you highlight the deep impact of mentorship and inspiration. The emphasis on human skills—trust, creativity, leadership—alongside technological advancements like AI highlights the irreplaceable value of human ingenuity. The Indian military’s discipline and adaptability, when combined with the right reskilling initiatives, can indeed redefine workforce excellence. Your narrative is a powerful evidence to the potential of veterans and the boundless faith of the Indian people in their nation’s future.
Sir, you have addressed a highly relevant and important topic in your blog today. In the coming years, we will need many more institutions to reskill millions. Visionaries like Mr. Rao are essential to establishing and leading such institutions.
Arunji, you captured the transformation of Vidyanagar and the crucial role of NSTI in empowering veterans with new skills. The initiative to reskill and upskill former military personnel is commendable, ensuring they transition smoothly into meaningful careers. The personal anecdotes and reflections add depth, making it a truly inspiring read. Kudos to Mr. Rao and the team for their dedication to this noble cause! Your travel to Uppuguda station and then walking 2 kms every day only tells how you added physical workout to your daily routine.