Vocational training and employability: A study in reference to skill development program from Gujarat, India.

This study evaluates the transformative impact of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) on rural youth in Gujarat, focusing on vocational skill enhancement and employability. Employing a robust mixed-methods approach grounded in the Kirkpatrick training evaluation model, this research dives deeper into the nuanced effects of gender, educational background, and Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) on the effectiveness of skill development initiatives. Quantitative data from over 500 beneficiaries and qualitative insights through in-depth interviews reveal critical success factors and areas for improvement, underscoring the scheme's pivotal role in bridging the rural-urban skill gap. This comprehensive analysis not only affirms the positive outcomes of the DDU-GKY initiative but also identifies key leverage points for policymakers and practitioners to enhance vocational training programs in Gujarat and similar contexts.