MU launches Community College Programme

The Mumbai University in collaboration with the Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) Private Limited launched its first ‘Community College Programme’ at its Fort campus on October 30, 2012. A first of its kind initiative in the country by any state university, the community college will impart job skills and develop employability amongst the youth in India. The classes for the same are slated to commence in November, 2012.

Under the program, students will be offered a two-year associate degree course coupled with a blend of on-the-job training and academic knowledge. Students will be equipped with skills to enhance their employability and contribute in the country's socio-economic progress.

Eligibility for the course:

• Aspirants having completed their higher secondary school (Standard XII) can apply for this program
• However, the program is also ideal for:

1. Individuals who were unable to pursue a formal graduation degree
2. Fresh higher secondary school pass-outs seeking to acquire relevant career skills with greater employment opportunities

Every semester will have three months of classroom sessions followed by three months of field training. A joint faculty of Mumbai University and HCCB will conduct the course.

Besides this, the course will be offered by the colleges affiliated to Mumbai University. Listed below are the names of colleges offering this program:

• K G Joshi College of Arts,Thane
• N G Bedekar College of Commerce,Thane
• Rayat Shiksan Sanstha's Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College(Modern College), Navi Mumbai
• Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Arts, Commerce and Science,Mahad
• Shri Pancham Khemraj Mahavidyalaya(SPK) ,Sawant Wadi

More colleges would be roped in to offer this course.

On completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for employment with HCCB or its business partners for Market Developer Executive/ Sales Executive positions. The program also offers students the choice to join the third year of a regular course and obtain a degree of graduation.

For the program, HCCB will sponsor an amount of Rs 20000 per student. In fact, after the successful completion of the program, the company will absorb students on its factory floor with a starting salary of Rs 15,000 per month.