The Commonwealth of Learning-Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), convened a one-day Consultative Workshop on “Strengthening Skill Education through Community of Practice (CoP) in India” at CBSE Headquarters, New Delhi.

This workshop marked the first formal step towards establishing a structured, educator-led peer network for vocational and skill teachers across India, a Community of Practice where educators can learn from one another, share resources, engage with experts, and collectively strengthen skill education delivery in schools.

During the opening session Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, articulated the core purpose of the Community of Practice with clarity, describing it as a platform for peer connection, peer mentorship, and just-in-time support among teachers who too often work in professional isolation. He noted that peer-driven continuous professional development and crowdsourcing of solutions are well-established practices in many countries, and that the Skill’s CoP is India’s opportunity to build that culture at national scale.

Dr. Manoj Srivastava, Professor & Director (Training), CBSE, emphasised that strengthening skill education requires collective effort, collaboration, and a shared vision reaching every school. Referring to CBSE’s sustained commitment to vocational education, he stressed the importance of learning from existing experiences and best practices rather than “reinventing the wheel.”

Dr. Biswajit Saha, Professor & Director (Skill Education), CBSE, In his remarks, situated the Community of Practice within the urgent challenge of changing the national narrative around skill education. He connected CoP in skill education to the broader goal of nurturing self-reliant, empowered, and future-ready learners, anchored in local knowledge, artisanal traditions, and the spirit of NEP 2020.

The workshop concluded with a shared institutional commitment from CBSE and COL-CEMCA to proceed to the design and establishment of the CoP, informed by the day’s findings. Plans were discussed for a sustained online engagement platform and periodic expert-led interactions with the long-term ambition of connecting Indian skill educators with the global network of skill educators.