Internship embedded programmes to create young talent pool – Times of India

In its efforts to boost apprenticeship and internship embedded degree programmes, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities to encourage such programmes at its institutions and affiliated colleges. The universities that are already offering these programmes have been directed to submit the details by October 10 through a Google form. Emphasising the increasing relevance of the apprenticeship/internship embedded (AIE) programme, Bhushan Patwardhan, former vice chairman of UGC and distinguished professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), says, “The apprenticeship/internship embedded (AIE) programme is mainly focussed on general education courses including BA, BCom, BSc. The structure and pedagogy of most of these courses were designed to suit requirements of the colonial times where the emphasis was more on theory and information. There was hardly any practical or experiential component, which is vital for a new career. Many universities post-independence, transformed their curriculum with changing times. However, by and large, the approach and pedagogy remained focussed on information, memory-based evaluation and a prestige associated with a graduate degree. The AIE programme, which is fully creditised, precisely addresses this gap by offering students an opportunity to engage with industry on a fairly long-term basis and earn academic credits.”

Addressing skill gap


UGC guidelines for AIE degree programmes are in line with NEP 2020. Since the institutions already offering AIE programmes need to submit their details on a web portal, it will help in creating a consolidated database to implement the scheme effectively. “Industries can also share their details and the institutions can find suitable opportunities for the students. This can help to get skill-based education, and onsite experience to improve students’ career opportunities,” Patwardhan says.

There are various instances where the AIE scheme can be implemented, he elaborates. For example, a BA in English student can get an internship with a media house to learn how articles or news are written, edited and spoken in English. BCom students can get an internship in a bank or financial institution to get to know how actually knowledge of bookkeeping, accountancy, audit, etc is professionally used. BSc Chemistry students can get exposure in a chemical industry to learn how chemistry theory is used to make different processes and products. “These professional skills acquired by students during the AIE programme can help both the employer and student to know each other better. The successful relationships are likely to get converted into actual employment.,” he adds.

Industry-ready graduates


Since industry often complain that they do not get graduates sufficiently trained in the required skills, the AIE programmes, Patwardhan says, will allow industry to shape young students to suit their requirements. “This will save a lot of time for the industry to engage with on-job training. Hence AIE is win-win situation for all. Institutions will save one year teaching on-campus, students will learn professional skills and employers can get promising trainees who could turn into future employees,” he adds.

Calling industry internships “the main means to create graduate employability and entrepreneurship,” Anil D Sahasrabudhe, chairman AICTE, says that it helps students apply their knowledge in real industrial situations. The technical education Council has developed Model Internship Guidelines for organising internships at degree and diploma level and entered into MoUs with various ministries/ government /non-government /private organisations following which small, medium and big players such as Apple, Google, TCS, Apple, Microsoft, Infosys and even startups are contributing their might. AICTE’s job portal is a key facilitator that currently has 12.5 lakh internships available. “The portal auto matches industries with potential candidates, many of whom are from the rural sector who would otherwise have not got a platform to seek industrial training and exposure,” Saharabudhe says.

Customised curriculum


What has led to led to efficacy of the of the apprenticeship and internship embedded programmes is the dire need for institutions to renew their education as per industry requirements. The fact that competition in the job sector is increasing exponentially, securing entry-level jobs is proving to be difficult, as the freshers may not be the ready-to-contribute candidates for employment. Through apprenticeship/internship opportunities, recruiters are able to get a cost-effective way to recruit and assess potential employees and hone them for future workplaces.