Paper Title
BRIDGING THE GAP: SKILL ALIGNMENT AND EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES IN TELANGANAAbstract
This studyexamined the alignment between skills and employment outcomes across various sectors in Telangana, focusing on the extent of skill mismatches and their impact on job satisfaction, income levels, and career growth opportunities. Using a quantitative research approach, data was collected from 150 respondents, including employees, employers, and job seekers. The findings reveal that the information technology and healthcare sectors demonstrated higher skill-employment alignment, resulting in better employment rates and higher income levels. Conversely, the agriculture and manufacturing sectors experienced significant skill mismatches, leading to lower employment rates and limited career growth. The study also identified low participation in skill development programs, highlighting the need for greater awareness and accessibility. Self-employed respondents reported comparatively higher satisfaction, despite lower earnings, suggesting a preference for autonomy. Practical recommendations include enhancing industry-academia collaboration, introducing targeted upskilling programs, and implementing policy measures to incentivize workforce training. The study also calls for government-led initiatives to bridge the rural-urban skill gap. By fostering continuous skill development and aligning educational curricula with industry demands, Telangana can create a more resilient and inclusive labor market. Future research could explore the long-term impacts of these interventions and assess sector-specific outcomes in greater detail.
KEYWORDS : Skill-Employment Alignment, Sectoral Analysis, Skill Gap, Upskilling Programs, Telangana Employment
