Skill
Topic: Human Capital: Education, Health and Demographic Dividend · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 7 "Factors of Production"
Meaning
A skill is the ability to do an activity or job well, gained through practice and training. Skills are a key part of human capital. They decide the quality of a worker's labour, not just how much effort the worker puts in. More skilled workers produce more, earn more and adapt faster to new technology. This is why India runs skilling programmes such as the Skill India Mission.
Example
A carpenter who has practised for years can make a strong, neat cupboard in two days. A beginner may take a week and waste wood. The difference between the two is skill. Similarly, an electrician certified under PMKVY has a skill that can be tested and recognised by employers.
Don't confuse with
- Training: training is the process of learning. A skill is the ability that results from it.
- Knowledge: knowledge means knowing facts or ideas. A skill means being able to do something well in practice.
Related concepts
- Human resource
- Human capital
- Productivity
- Labour productivity
- Facilitators of human capital
- Continuous improvement