On the 8th of July, 2023, an important milestone was reached at the grand Graduation Ceremony hosted by the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR) at the Hotel Alimara in Barcelona. This global commemoration of academic success was highlighted by the accomplishments of a notable individual. Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak, the co-founder of The Digital Academy, Host Your Space Ltd, latemaster.com, and oneodisha.tv, who worked under the mentorship of Dr. Karaoulanis Andreas, the research director Dr. Steve Mallon, and guided by the known Scientist and brother, Dr. Kanhu Charan Pattnayak, was set to receive his esteemed Doctor of Philosophy degree in Management. The dean of SSBR, Dr. Stephen Harrison, recognised this achievement as a powerful testament to rigorous intellectual exploration and its capacity to catalyse transformation.
Dr. Pattnayak’s path-breaking research has made strides in the realm of vocational education, a sphere that is often neglected despite its critical role in fostering employability and socio-economic development. His study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on apprenticeship in vocational education institutions in England, highlighting their ability to adapt, survive, and thrive amidst crises.
About Research
This study investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on apprenticeships at vocational institutes in England and identified strategies for dealing with future pandemics. It adopted a survey methodology, involving various education professionals across England. The research found that the pandemic significantly affected apprenticeships, particularly for under-19s at Levels two and three, as institutions transitioned to remote learning and assessments. The pandemic’s onset led to a sharp increase in apprentice dropouts and highlighted the need for online apprenticeship training and hybrid learning methods. The implementation of these, however, revealed disparities in access to necessary learning resources, prompting institutions to provide needed equipment and shift to blended learning methodologies.
Apprentices also grappled with health issues due to COVID-19 and mental health concerns from self-isolation. Educational institutions, therefore, faced the challenge of creating a healthy, sustainable learning environment. They established social distancing norms, improved hygiene standards, conducted regular virtual meetings, and managed information dissemination to counter misinformation.
The study concludes that, in the future, vocational education institutions should prepare contingency plans that include remote learning and assessment methods, distribution of necessary equipment, and prioritising safety and hygiene measures. It also suggests investing in new technologies, like virtual reality, augmented reality, ChatGPT, and met-averse, to enable remote learning and endpoint assessments. Furthermore, the study advises these institutions to establish budgets for pandemic preparedness and maintain open lines of communication about government regulations. Future research can extend to other industries and regions not covered in this study, and to apprentices in sectors like hospitality, construction, and health care
Dr Pattnayak’s Early Life
Dr. Pattnayak, a distinguished scholar, originates from the tranquil village of Kundei in the Nabarangpur district of Odisha, India. He comes from a supportive family, with his parents Shri Niranjan Pattnayak and Smt Bishnupriya Pattnayak providing unwavering encouragement throughout his academic journey. His wife, Swagatika Tripathy, daughter of Shri Krushna Prasad Tripathy and Smt Ranjita Tripathy, and their children, Adwiti Tripathy Pattnayak and Sandeep Tripathy Pattnayak, also play a significant role in his life.
Inspired by his uncle, Shri Madan Mohan Singh Samant, Dr. Pattnayak adopted a vegetarian lifestyle. This transformative decision marked the beginning of his philanthropic journey, where he dedicated himself to helping those in need. Although he currently resides in Orpington, London, United Kingdom, his connection to his homeland remains unbreakable. Dr. Pattnayak’s scholarly achievements are truly remarkable. As a fellow member of esteemed institutions such as the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), the Royal Society of Public Health (FRSPH), the British Computer Society, and the Internet Society, he stands as a testament to his multifaceted academic prowess.
Overcoming numerous challenges, Dr. Pattnayak’s educational path was not without obstacles. Growing up in Nabarangpur, a district plagued by high illiteracy rates and limited opportunities for skill development, he faced adversity. However, with the unwavering support of his elder sister, Smt Ranjana Pattnayak, and the encouragement of his elder brother, Shri Rajiv Lochan Pattnayak, and younger sister, Rashmita Pattnayak, he emerged triumphant. Harnessing the power of technology and strategic planning, Dr. Pattnayak continues to make significant strides in improving educational outcomes worldwide. His academic journey commenced in various schools in Kundei, Kalimela, Dahana and Indravati, eventually leading him to pursue a degree in Physics from Nabarangpur College. Building upon his strong foundation, he obtained a Master’s in Computer Application from Guru Ghasidas University in Bilaspur. These academic accomplishments exemplify his unwavering dedication to addressing the pressing global issues of unemployment and education.
Despite the challenges he encountered, Dr. Pattnayak’s determination and resilience have been instrumental in shaping his path. His ability to overcome obstacles, along with the support of his family and his commitment to making a positive impact, continue to drive him forward. With a deep-rooted passion for skill development and the empowerment of individuals, Dr. Pattnayak’s contributions are poised to make a lasting difference in the field of education.
How is Dr. Pattnayak’s research poised to address the issue of unemployment and foster skill development in India?
The implications of Dr. Pattnayak’s research for India are monumental, particularly in addressing the pressing issue of unemployment. India’s paradox of a burgeoning youth population alongside soaring unemployment rates is one of the most challenging socio-economic puzzles. A critical factor contributing to this situation is the skills gap engendered by traditional education models.
Dr. Pattnayak’s research proposes a novel solution: making vocational education institutions resilient to ensure continuous skills development. This transformation can address the problem of educated unemployment by morphing the educational ecosystem from just a learning centre to an engine of socio-economic development. By helping reduce dropout rates, fostering sustainable income for apprentices during crises, and fuelling a robust employment ecosystem, Dr. Pattnayak’s research may significantly alleviate India’s unemployment problem.
The shift from rote-learning to resilience-oriented, skills-based education, as proposed by Dr. Pattnayak’s research, can foster a future-ready workforce that significantly contributes to India’s socio-economic development. Integrating resilience into educational practices not only equips the youth with technical and vocational skills but also arms them with the ability to adapt and overcome adversities in an increasingly unpredictable world.
In conclusion, Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak’s trailblazing research and its possible implementation could catalyse a significant shift in India’s vocational education and employment landscapes. By championing the cause of resilience in education, he is creating a promising future for India’s youth and addressing the daunting challenge of unemployment. The potential impact of his work transcends academic boundaries, serving as a beacon of hope for not just India but the entire world in creating a more resilient, skilled, and employable workforce. Dr. Pattnayak’s work is a testament to the transformative power of resilient education and its potential to ignite sustainable growth and development.
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