In an era of rapid globalization and digital transformation, skill development programs (SDPs) play a pivotal role in equipping learners with competencies essential for employability and lifelong learning. However, the efficacy of these programs is often undermined by inadequate English language proficiency, which serves as a gateway to accessing knowledge resources, collaborative tools, and professional networks. This study explores how targeted English language skills—encompassing listening, speaking, reading, writing, and digital communication—can empower SDPs to foster holistic skill enhancement. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, including surveys of 450 participants from Indian vocational training institutes and qualitative interviews with educators, the research reveals that integrated English interventions improve technical skill acquisition by 42%, as measured by pre- and post-program assessments. Key findings highlight the transformative role of communicative competence in enabling problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation within SDPs. Furthermore, the integration of AI-driven language tools, such as adaptive learning platforms, emerges as a scalable solution to bridge proficiency gaps, particularly in resource-constrained contexts. The study advocates for a pedagogical framework that embeds English language modules within SDPs, promoting interdisciplinary synergy between language educators and skill trainers. By empowering learners with linguistic agility, such programs not only enhance employability but also cultivate global citizenship. Implications for policy makers, educators, and institutions underscore the need for curriculum redesign to prioritize English as a core enabler of skill development.
Priya et al. (Thu,) studied this question.