How relevant are vocational degrees
The enrolment of students in BVoc courses has increased exponentially from 554 in 2013-14 to more than 30,000 in 2018-19, reports Sheetal Banchariya
07.10.2019 Educational Plus
While Industrial Revolution 4.0 will impact the job market significantly, professionals with relevant skills will rule. As per the ‘Future of Jobs’ report by FICCI, NASSCOM and EY, 37% of the Indian workforce would be employed in new job roles. A paradigm shift in vocational education will be needed to meet the future challenges, says Raj Nehru, founding vice chancellor, Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), Haryana.
“The government’s focus is shifting towards skill education and courses such as Bachelor of Vocation (BVoc), Diploma in Vocation (DVoc), etc. are gaining popularity,” adds Nehru.
WHAT VOCATIONAL COURSES OFFER
In 2013, the UGC had formally launched a BVoc degree as part of its scheme of skill development-based higher education in various domains — automotive, entertainment, IT, etc.
“Although vocational degrees are relatively new, students and even industries have begun to accept them,” says Pooja More, incharge director, Skill Development Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University.
After passing class XII, students can enrol in a BVoc course, based on the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). They may exit after six months with a certificate (NSQF level 4) or continue for a year to earn a diploma (NSQF level 5). Two years training offers an advanced diploma (NSQF level 6) and those completing three years course receive a BVoc degree.
WHAT NEXT
The multi-level exit options allow students to pursue a convenient degree.
“The BVoc degree is at par with other bachelor’s degrees recognised by the UGC. Students can pick any competitive exam or course where a bachelor’s degree is needed to be eligible. They can also pursue a MVoc degree to continue with their vocational education,” says Bhushan Patwardhan, vice chairman, UGC.
ACADEMIC VS VOCATIONAL
Unlike academic degrees, the vocational courses are based on experiential learning. “Vocational education is aligned to the Sector Skill Council. This gives students practical knowledge of concepts as against a degree that focusses on theoretical knowledge, says Nehru. BVoc curriculum includes 40% theory and 60% practical training. “We have adopted a work-integrated approach, where students get practical training at the industries,” says Neela Dabir, dean, School of Vocational Education, TISS, Mumbai, offering 33 BVoc programmes in 19 sectors.
DOMAIN CHALLENGES
Unlike 2013-14 when enrolments in BVoc courses were only 544, the number has risen to 33,263 in 2018-19.
“Vocational courses are often considered a student’s last resort,” says Nehru, also a member of the steering committee of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). BVoc courses, says Dabir, should gain prominence in the recruitment process. “The UGC is reviewing the pedagogy of vocational courses as it needs integration of internships and hands-on training,” adds Patwardhan.
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The enrolment of students in BVoc courses has increased exponentially from 554 in 2013-14 to more than 30,000 in 2018-19, reports Sheetal Banchariya
07.10.2019 Educational Plus
While Industrial Revolution 4.0 will impact the job market significantly, professionals with relevant skills will rule. As per the ‘Future of Jobs’ report by FICCI, NASSCOM and EY, 37% of the Indian workforce would be employed in new job roles. A paradigm shift in vocational education will be needed to meet the future challenges, says Raj Nehru, founding vice chancellor, Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU), Haryana.
“The government’s focus is shifting towards skill education and courses such as Bachelor of Vocation (BVoc), Diploma in Vocation (DVoc), etc. are gaining popularity,” adds Nehru.
WHAT VOCATIONAL COURSES OFFER
In 2013, the UGC had formally launched a BVoc degree as part of its scheme of skill development-based higher education in various domains — automotive, entertainment, IT, etc.
“Although vocational degrees are relatively new, students and even industries have begun to accept them,” says Pooja More, incharge director, Skill Development Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University.
After passing class XII, students can enrol in a BVoc course, based on the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). They may exit after six months with a certificate (NSQF level 4) or continue for a year to earn a diploma (NSQF level 5). Two years training offers an advanced diploma (NSQF level 6) and those completing three years course receive a BVoc degree.
WHAT NEXT
The multi-level exit options allow students to pursue a convenient degree.
“The BVoc degree is at par with other bachelor’s degrees recognised by the UGC. Students can pick any competitive exam or course where a bachelor’s degree is needed to be eligible. They can also pursue a MVoc degree to continue with their vocational education,” says Bhushan Patwardhan, vice chairman, UGC.
ACADEMIC VS VOCATIONAL
Unlike academic degrees, the vocational courses are based on experiential learning. “Vocational education is aligned to the Sector Skill Council. This gives students practical knowledge of concepts as against a degree that focusses on theoretical knowledge, says Nehru. BVoc curriculum includes 40% theory and 60% practical training. “We have adopted a work-integrated approach, where students get practical training at the industries,” says Neela Dabir, dean, School of Vocational Education, TISS, Mumbai, offering 33 BVoc programmes in 19 sectors.
DOMAIN CHALLENGES
Unlike 2013-14 when enrolments in BVoc courses were only 544, the number has risen to 33,263 in 2018-19.
“Vocational courses are often considered a student’s last resort,” says Nehru, also a member of the steering committee of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). BVoc courses, says Dabir, should gain prominence in the recruitment process. “The UGC is reviewing the pedagogy of vocational courses as it needs integration of internships and hands-on training,” adds Patwardhan.
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MONDAY | OCTOBER 7, 2019 GET UNTANGLED ADVERTORIAL, EDUCATION PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
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