Addressing the Skills Gap: University of Southampton Delhi Takes the Lead

Global Leaders and Academics Discuss Talent Alignment at High-Impact Event

The University of Southampton Delhi recently held an engaging panel discussion in New Delhi, bringing together eminent industry leaders and distinguished academic experts. The event explored the vital connection between education and workforce readiness, addressing two central themes: "Redefining Global Talent: Aligning Education with Industry Needs" and "The Future of Work and Education: A Transnational Perspective." This initiative aimed to tackle the evolving challenges and opportunities in preparing talent for a rapidly globalising and ever-changing job market.

The discussions featured renowned speakers from leading global organisations and academic institutions who shared their perspectives on the shifting job landscape, the widening skills gap, and the critical role of education in preparing students to meet future workforce demands. Notably, the University of Southampton Delhi, which is set to admit its first cohort of students in August, has achieved a significant milestone as the first international campus in India approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the guidelines of the National Educational Policy.

The opening session emphasised the urgent need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula in response to the dynamic global job market. The dialogue focused on bridging the gap between academic programs and industry requirements to ensure students gain relevant skills and global competencies. Key contributors included Navanit Samaiyar, Managing Director and Co-founder of The India Source; Subir Verma, Director of Fore School of Management; Kieron Broadhead, Deputy Vice President (Operations) at the University of Southampton; Pradeep Aswal, CEO of the Blockchain Council; and Mussarat Hussain, HR Head at Suzuki R&D Centre India.

The second panel explored the impact of technological advancements and globalization on workforce transformation, highlighting the role of transnational education in preparing future professionals. Esteemed speakers included Dharam Rakshit of Hero MotoCorp, Professor Deborah Gill from the University of Southampton, Soumi Pal Basu of InterGlobe Enterprises, and Sheetal Sandhu of ICRA. Kieron Broadhead, Deputy Vice President (Operations) at the University of Southampton, noted that transnational education bridges the gap between academic learning and industry needs by providing a global perspective. He emphasised that such events are instrumental in fostering collaboration, exchanging ideas, and building meaningful partnerships to prepare students for real-world challenges.

Organised by People Labs in partnership with the University of Southampton Delhi, the event served as a platform for academia and industry leaders to co-develop strategies that ensure students are prepared for the demands of an evolving workforce. This initiative forms part of the university's commitment to fostering innovative partnerships and encouraging collaboration with employers and thought leaders. The event bridged the gap between education and industry and highlighted the importance of collaboration in equipping future professionals with the skills required to thrive in a globalised world.

Editor's Note:

The University of Southampton Delhi's initiative serves as a shining example of how academia and industry can come together to address the evolving challenges of workforce readiness. By fostering dialogue and forming strategic partnerships, this event showcased the importance of aligning education with industry needs in the context of a rapidly changing global job market. Such efforts are not just about bridging the skills gap but also about shaping future professionals with the competencies and perspectives needed to drive innovation and progress. 

Skoobuzz believes that events like these underline the significance of transnational education in preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world and demonstrate the institution’s commitment to creating impactful opportunities for both students and employers.