Vocational degree can give you that extra edge

By Ruchi Shrimali

For years now, Indian students have had three choices academically - science, humanities, and commerce. But things are set to change from the next academic year when they can finally opt for a formal Bachelors degree in Vocational Education (BVoc). Addressing industry needs for a trained workforce and boosting employability potential of graduates, the proposed degree program in vocational education has got the approval from University Grants Commission (UGC) and can now be offered by any of the universities and their associated colleges in India. Read more about degree in vocational education

AICTE initiated the move to introduce vocational courses with multiple entry and exit points. It also identified sectors that need trained and skilled graduates to join its workforce, such as automobile, construction, entertainment, fashion design, food processing, hotel, IT, media, telecommunications, mobile communications, retail, tourism, and jewellery design. It will publish the curriculum of the new courses on its website by March 10, 2012. Students will be able to choose one of the sectors and a specific specialisation for graduation. Each college will offer degree in five sectors with a maximum of 100 students in each sector.

Formal degrees and interlinking them with mainstream academic programs is expected to give a new lease of life for vocational education in India. UGC is still working on the finer details of the vocational education degree program.

Recently, Union HRD minister Mr. Kapil Sibal had launched the National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF), which will be implemented in the academic year 2012-13 in polytechnics, engineering colleges, and other university affiliated colleges. More about NVEQF

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is also planning to impart training in five skills on the Swiss model of Vocational Education Training (VET) at middle school level in Haryana on a pilot-basis. If it proves to be successful, it will be implemented in other states as well.

Maharashtra has made vocational training mandatory for SSC students (students in class IX and X). It is based on NSDC's model and aims to create a strong and skilled workforce by 2022 as well as mitigate the drop-out rates of poor students. The state is focusing on sectors like physical education, healthcare, automobile, textile, infrastructure and real estate. Read more about vocational education in schools

Switzerland has a dual track education model. There students can choose from 240 occupations after completing compulsory school education. At tertiary level, students can go for as many as 400 professional training and education opportunities that can increased their employability level as well as the wages they earn. This VET model has worked quite well there with the cooperation of educational institutions, government and industrial associations. Switzerland has lowest youth unemployment rate of 7.2% in the world today.

Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) too has tied up with Swiss VET model of skill training and development of the workforce. With HRD Ministry, UGC, AICTE and education sector taking interest in vocational education, India too can soon expect to reap the benefits of quality and well-trained workforce soon.

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