Vocational Courses Now In Arts, Science& Commerce!

Students can now opt for exclusive vocational stream at Class XI and XII like arts, Science and Commerce and may join any job or pursue further studies in professional course thereafter if the government has its way. The HRD Minister is set to revise its vocational education scheme under which the students will have the option to pursue vocational studies as an exclusive stream on par with Arts, Science and Commerce.

This is a revised scheme, modeled on the pattern of vocational education in Australia and Germany, is expected to be announced next month. A senior Ministry official told PTI that “Students can study exclusively vocational education at Class XI and XII. This will be an additional stream to the existing stream of Science, Arts and Commerce”.

The focus of the revised vocational education stream will be industry collaboration at all stages, starting with designing of the courses, teaching and work experience in industry. It will ensure employability of the students. Students can join any job or pursue further studies in professional courses like B.Tech after completing vocational courses.

This has been modeled upon the vocational education in Australia and Germany where the industry training is a key component. A delegation, headed by HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, is currently visiting Australia where they will understand the vocational education system and its impact on economy.

Well, both the countries have already set up a joint group on Vocational Education and Training (VET). Sibal's visit follows exchange of high-level delegations from both the countries on VET Programmes.

Under vocational Stream, the programmes will comprise 70% of subject specific studies and 30% general studies like English and Communicative Skills. The Ministry is preparing a note for approval of Expenditure Finance committee. Then it will go for Cabinet's approval.