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(The story of South Korea's and India's TVET progress is exemplary. Here is a tale that tries to encapsulate their journey).

Train to Kuala Lumpur: A TVET TALE

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umari-Devi, a bright and determined girl from a small village near Bangalore, sat by the window, watching the lush Malaysian countryside blur past. Each mile brought her closer to Kuala Lumpur, and her mind wandered back to her village. She remembered the early mornings filled with the crowing of roosters and the laughter of her late Amma, who believed in a better future for her. She always dreamt of becoming an engineer, but her family's financial struggles made higher education seem out of reach. Everything changed when she learned about the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) through a government outreach program.

India gained its independence in 1947. It faced immense challenges as a newly sovereign state with deep-seated poverty and a largely agrarian economy. India launched the Skill India Mission in 2015, aiming to train over 400 million people by 2022. India’s major industrial players like Tata, Infosys, and Larsen & Toubro have established robust vocational training programs that align with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are job-ready. India has seen a proliferation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics, especially in rural and underserved areas, providing greater access to vocational education.

O

n the same train, Haneul-Dae, a good-looking Korean man, was similarly lost in thought. The sight of KL reminded him of the South Korean countryside, now replaced by Seoul's urban sprawl. He spent countless hours helping his father in their workshop. Growing up in a post-war economy, his family emphasized the importance of technical skills. Inspired by the success of chaebols like Samsung and Hyundai, he enrolled in a specialized high school with a comprehensive TVET curriculum, eventually ending up in vocational training.

South Korea emerged from the devastation of the Korean War in the 1950s with a shattered economy. South Korea initiated its transformation with the Vocational Training Promotion Act of 1967, which established a structured TVET framework. In South Korea, large conglomerates, or chaebols, such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, have played a critical role in the TVET landscape. These companies offer comprehensive apprenticeship programs that combine theoretical and practical training. South Korea has expanded its TVET system through specialized high schools, junior colleges, and polytechnics, focusing on advanced technologies and innovation.

Both nations recognized the urgent need to build a skilled workforce to drive economic growth and began laying the groundwork for comprehensive TVET systems. They have shown a strong commitment to integrating vocational training into their national development plans, fostering lifelong learning, and ensuring continuous skill development.

Both countries emphasize integrating cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices into their TVET programs.

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s the train sped on, carrying both of them towards a new chapter, Kumari and Haneul reflected on their countries' progress. The Indian government's Skill India Mission and South Korea's Vocational Training Promotion Act laid the foundation for their success. Kumari’s internship at Tata Motors and Haneul’s stint at Hyundai exemplified this synergy. Embracing lifelong learning, Kumari upgraded her skills through online courses, while Haneul pursued further certifications. Today, Kumari is a respected technician in Bangalore, inspiring many young girls to pursue vocational training. Haneul-Dae, now a skilled engineer at a top South Korean firm, shares his story with future TVET students, highlighting the opportunities TVET unlocked for him.

They arrived at KL Sentral. As passengers gathered their belongings, Kumari and Haneul-Dae rose from their seats, each lost in their thoughts. They bumped into each other in the aisle.

"Sorry!" Kumari said, smiling.

"No problem at all," Haneul replied, returning the smile.

They both laughed, easing the awkwardness. Walking toward the exit, they struck up a conversation.

"So, what brings you to Kuala Lumpur?" Kumari asked.

"I'm here for the Global TVET Conference," Haneul said. "And you?"

"Same here!" Kumari responded, beaming with pride. "I represent India. It's exciting to be part of something so significant."

As they walked through the bustling station, they shared their backgrounds. Kumari spoke of her journey from a small village to becoming a respected technician. Haneul-Dae recounted his experience at a vocational high school and his apprenticeship at LG. They found common ground in their struggles and triumphs.

At the station entrance, they bid each other goodbye.

"See you at the conference?" Kumari said.

"Definitely. Looking forward to it," Haneul replied.

Neither knew they would be key speakers.

The next morning, the conference began. A nervous Kumari-Devi walked into the main hall, surprised to see Haneul on the stage. He looked equally astonished. His smile was a welcoming sight for her.

"Welcome to our panel discussion," the moderator announced. "Today, we have two exemplary representatives from India and South Korea: Kumari-Devi and Haneul-Dae." The audience applauded as their backgrounds were read out.

The panel discussion began. Kumari shared her story, emphasizing the impact of the Skill India Mission on her life. She described her time at the ITI and her transformative internship at Tata Motors. Haneul-Dae followed, detailing South Korea's Vocational Training Promotion Act. He spoke about his apprenticeship at LG and how it shaped his career.

"Your journey is truly inspiring, Kumari," Haneul said during the discussion.

"And yours as well, Haneul-Dae," Kumari replied. "It's incredible how TVET has changed our lives."

During the Q&A session, someone asked, "What was the most profound change your country has made?"

Kumari-Devi thought for a moment. "For India, it's the empowerment of individuals through skills training. It's not just about jobs; it's about dignity and self-reliance."

Haneul-Dae nodded. "In South Korea, it's the integration of vocational training with industry needs. This alignment has driven innovation and economic growth."

South Korea promotes continuous skill development through policies that encourage workers to upgrade their skills regularly. India has adopted similar policies to ensure its workforce remains competitive in the global market. This commitment to lifelong learning has been crucial in maintaining economic adaptability and growth in both countries.

Today, both South Korea and India are recognized globally for their highly skilled workforces. South Korean professionals are renowned for their technical expertise in high-tech industries, while Indian professionals are celebrated for their versatility and innovative skills in various sectors. The TVET graduates from both nations contribute significantly to their domestic economies and are highly sought after internationally.

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t lunch, Kumari and Haneul didn't sit together, but their eyes met across the room. Each reflected on the other's story, wondering if they would meet again to enjoy each other’s company and stories.

Two years later, they did. Fate brought them together at another international conference. As soon as Kumari and Haneul saw each other, they knew their connection was special.

"Kumari!" Haneul-Dae called out.

"Hey, Haneul, it's been too long," she responded, smiling warmly.

As the theme of the conference, "Inspirational TVET," echoed through the hall, Kumari-Devi and Haneul-Dae's stories resonated deeply with the audience. It seems that their stories and experiences will forever be inspirational. As for the two speakers, their journeys mirrored the inspiration they found in each other, admiring each other's backgrounds and achievements. This time, they lingered in each other's company, feeling a quiet, blossoming connection they were reluctant to leave behind.

Their journeys had intertwined once, and now it seemed destined to last. Reflecting on their serendipitous meeting, they both smiled, knowing that everything began with a train to KL.

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Rags to Riches - South Korea and India’s Transformative TVET Stories

Conclusion

The dual journeys of South Korea and India from rags to riches through TVET illustrate the transformative power of strategic investment in vocational training.

The transformative power of strategic investment in TVET, combined with a long-term mindset, ensures sustained economic growth and innovation. Despite different starting points and unique challenges, both countries have successfully leveraged TVET to build robust economies and improve socio-economic conditions. Their stories provide valuable insights and inspiration for other nations aiming to enhance their TVET systems and achieve sustainable economic development.