20 August 2018
MEDIA MATTERS
‘Build the right skill base to
future-proof OOH business’
In October 2017, the Media & Entertainment Skill Council (MESC) signed an MoU with
the Indian Outdoor Advertising Association to initiate and conduct skill development
programmes for the benefit of Indian OOH firms. MESC operates as an SSC under the
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Mohit Soni, CEO, MESC shares his
outlook on the skill development needs of the OOH industry. Edited excerpts:What are the broad objectives of the MESC?Founded in 2012, MESC is a Not-for-Profit Organisation,
registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
The Council has been promoted by Federation of Indian
Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) with financial
support from National Skill Development Corporation
(NSDC). The broad objectives of MESC are:l Identification of skill development needs including
preparing a catalogue of types of skills, range and depth
of skills to facilitate individuals to choose from them.l Development of a sector skill development plan and
maintaining skill inventory.l Determining skills/competency standards and
qualifications and getting them notified as per NSQF.l Standardisation of affiliation, accreditation,
examination and certification process in accordance
with NSQF as determined by NSQC.l Conduct skill-based assessment and certification
for QP /NOS aligned training programmes.l Participation in the setting up of affiliation,
accreditation, examination and certification norms for
their respective sectors.l Plan and facilitate the execution of Training of
Trainers along with NSDC and states.l Promotion of Academies of Excellence.l Paying particular attention to the skilling needs of
SC/ST, differently-abled and minority groups.l Ensuring that the persons trained and skilled in
accordance with the norms laid down are assured of
employment at decent wages.How is your Council addressing the skill development
needs of the media industry?The Indian media and entertainment (M&E) sector is the
14th largest in the world and contributes about 1.7%
to India’s GDP. The sector contributes ~9.3% to total
employment in the country and this share is expected to
reach ~14% by 2017. Owing to the increased usage of
new media and digitisation of film and television, there