Today, it is essential to connect education with practical skills and real-world opportunities. This needs to begin in schools and introducing skill-based education from Class 6 onwards can play a transformative in preparing students for the future. Learning must extend beyond the blackboard, as students engage with tools, observe real processes, and gain hands-on experiences. Skill laboratories can focus not only on skill development but also on building confidence, developing practical understanding of classroom concepts, and strengthening overall learning outcomes.

Through creative arts, crafts, Nature-based exploration, scientific observation, and community-linked activities, students can meaningfully engage in learning based on their environment, and connect with life forms, machines, materials, and human services. These experiences are aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and lay a strong foundation for informed career choices and holistic development.

Schools can hold a 10-day bagless period for students fromClasses 6 to 8 to encourage internships with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, potters, and artists. This will create meaningful learning experiences by shifting the focus from textbooks to hands-on exploration, make learning more enjoyable and stress free and boost their curiosity, motivation and self-confidence. Students gain exposure to real work environments, develop an appreciation for appreciate different types of work and build essential life skills such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving. To support those who wish to explore more, schools can offer online vocational modules to build on their experiences in their own time. Additionally, having bagless days dedicated to arts, quizzing, sports, and vocational crafts throughout the year can enrich students.

Schools can also collaborate with local institutions such as ITIs and polytechnics and offer exposure to real vocational practices and broaden learning. To create a safe and supportive environment for such activities, principals must ensure that school facilities are well maintained and fire and safety certificates are obtained regularly. In addition, schools can also ensure that their blogs or websites are updated and easy to navigate so that parents and the community can see what is happening in the school and share their feedback. This helps to keep channels of communication open and builds a stronger connection with the school. To operate skill labs, schools can:

• Have a designated room and provide infrastructure for group and individual activities
• Ensure that the electricity connection is available and reliable
• Ensure that all the essential materials and tools are available
• Provide computers and Internet connectivity
• Appoint a teacher who will be the person in charge to manage and monitor the lab
• Keep the lab open and accessible to students every day.
• Divide students into batches so that while one group uses the skill lab, another can visit the art room or work-experience room.

When used effectively, skill labs can make education more engaging and meaningful, as they equip students with not only technical knowledge but also problem-solving abilities and creativity. These are qualities that are essential for jobs of the future and will help shape responsible, capable, and confident citizens.

The writer is Assistant Commissioner (Retd.), Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Hyderabad Region.