Pune: In an effort to align university education with industry needs and improve job readiness, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program.
This degree course, which integrates professional training, is available for higher education institutions ranked within the top 200 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and holding an "A" grade from NAAC.
The UGC circular outlines that feedback on the program is being accepted from stakeholders until November 18, with plans to roll out the program by the January-February semester.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, which has been a challenge for graduates entering the workforce.
According to the UGC, incorporating on-the-job training into degree programs will equip students with practical skills essential for employment.
Eligible institutions can decide seat allocations based on existing infrastructure and even convert current degree programs into this format.
The curriculum includes classroom instruction combined with up to 50% work-based learning, with apprenticeships beginning in the second semester.
A credit-based system will apply to the training, where 30 hours equal one credit, and a full year’s apprenticeship involves a minimum of 40 credits. Multiple entry and exit points, as well as a stipend for apprentices, will be available.
Agreements will be formed among educational institutions, industries, and students, and institutions will track student outcomes after course completion.
Companies eligible to participate must have a minimum of four employees or 30 or more employees, where hiring trainees is mandatory.
Each company can admit between 2.5% and 15% trainees annually, with at least 5% of positions, including contract employees, reserved for apprentices and certified skilled workers.
The government will establish autonomous regional Boards of Apprenticeship Training (BoAT) in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Kanpur to oversee this program.