INFLUENCE OF ONLINE SKILL TRAINING ON EMPLOYABILITY ENHANCEMENT IN MADURAI DISTRICT

Abstract

Online skill training has become an important component of modern education and workforce development, as it enables individuals to acquire job-oriented competencies through flexible and accessible digital platforms. In the present era of rapid technological advancement and changing labour market demands, there is an increasing need for continuous skill upgradation to enhance employability and remain competitive. The need for the study arises from the widening gap between academic qualifications and industry expectations, where many job seekers lack practical and technical skills required by employers. Online skill training programmes help bridge this gap by providing affordable, time-flexible, and industry-relevant learning opportunities to learners in both urban and rural areas. Therefore, it is essential to examine the effectiveness of online skill training in enhancing employability, particularly in regions like Madurai District, where access to quality training and employment opportunities is crucial for socio-economic development. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. A total of 80 respondents from Madurai District were selected using the Convenience Sampling Technique. The findings reveal that respondents prefer platforms such as NPTEL and SWAYAM for online skill training and face challenges such as technical issues, lack of motivation, and poor internet connectivity. The study concludes that online skill training plays a significant role in improving employability and suggests strengthening digital infrastructure and improving training quality to enhance learning outcomes.