CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Dr. P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE Manipal
- In today’s competitive world, what are the advantages of skill-based education in UG / PG courses?
Today, skill-based education has become an essential component in preparing students for productive career. Offering UG / PG courses with a focus on skill-based education has several benefits for students, as they not only gain relevant skills & knowledge for their chosen career paths but also improve their employability prospects. Furthermore, skill-based education fosters critical thinking and collaborative working, which are much sought after by corporates. In addition to these benefits, skill-based courses offer students the opportunity to pursue their interest & passion, engage in lifelong learning with a focus on innovation & problem solving, crucial for success in any organization.
- How can skilled-based education in UG / PG courses improve employability and job prospects?
Getting a dream job is no longer solely dependent on academic qualifications. Corporates are looking for candidates with specialised skills that align with their business goals. In a technology changing age, skill requirement to keep pace with the technology is growing at a fast rate, it is very essential to stay updated with the latest trends and innovations. Skill-based learning students get better prepared to adapt to changing industry requirements and enhance their competencies by making them more productive, increasing their chances of securing employment in their domains of interest. Thus, skill-based education has emerged as a game-changer.
- What role do universities and colleges play in providing skill-based education to students?
Educational institutions have the expertise and infrastructure to offer students a wide range of courses and programs, to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their chosen career paths. Mandating internship or industry experience as part of the course curriculum helps students to gain valuable work experience while still in college and apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Regular interaction with the industry, helps institutions to provide relevant skill-based courses, thus ensuring industry-ready graduates.
- How can skill-based education help bridge the gap between academia and industry?
Skill-based education incorporates strategies such as collaborating with industry experts for industry relevant curriculum, work-integrated learning opportunities and collaborative research. Additionally, as industry mentors provide students with guidance & support to navigate through their career, ensuring that graduates / employees are better prepared for the demands of the professional world and possess the relevant competencies leading to a seamless transition from campus to corporate.
- What are some examples of industries that require specific skills that can be taught through UG / PG courses?
Examples of industries that require specific skills taught through UG / PG courses are
- Healthcare: Medical Diagnosis, Treatment, Care, etc.
- Engineering & Technology: Planning, Design, Manufacturing, Automation, Data Analytics & Security, etc.
- Hospitality and Tourism: Etiquette, Customer service, Event management, Travel planning, etc.
- Media: Language, Communication, etc.
- Commerce & Management: Taxation, auditing practices, Branding, Consumer Behaviour and Financial Planning
- How can skill-based education prepare students for entrepreneurship and innovation?
Skill-based education helps in critical thinking and problem-solving. Entrepreneurship courses helps students to understand the intricacies of starting & operating a business and also to develop innovative solutions for growth opportunities. Moreover, skill-based education can help in acquiring industry-specific knowledge to become successful entrepreneurs and innovators.
- What are some challenges faced by institutions in implementing skill-based education in UG/PG courses?
Implementing skill-based education in UG/PG courses can be challenging for institutions because it necessitates a shift in emphasis from theory-based learning to the practical application of skills. Significant changes to the curriculum, pedagogy and assessment methods are required. Institutions must also ensure that they have the necessary resources and infrastructure, such as funding, labs, workshops, and industry partnerships, to support hands-on learning.
- What are some future trends in skill-based education and its importance in UG/PG courses?
With the ever-changing technology and demands of the industry, there is a high demand for industry ready graduates with practical skills and relevant domain experience. We can expect a continued emphasis on skill-based education in the future, with an emphasis on hands-on learning, experiential training, and multi-functional expertise. Graduates with a unique blend of technical & soft skills and change-adaptability will be more valued in the coming days, making skill-based education a vital component of higher education.
- How does skill-based education align with the government’s vision of promoting vocational education and skill development?
The government has emphasised the importance of creating a skilled workforce and promoting skill-based education in UG / PG courses through initiatives such as the Skill India Mission (SIM), the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). The importance of a more skill-based approach to education, with a focus on experiential learning and industry partnerships, has also been highlighted in the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Skill-based education bridges the skills gap and creates an industry-ready workforce by incorporating vocational training programmes, internships, and apprenticeships into UG / PG courses. Recruiting highly skilled graduates with industry-ready skills can help corporations improve their processes and effectively deliver their products/services, ultimately contributing to long-term economic growth. Thus, skill-based education is important for developing a future-ready workforce and aligns with the government’s vision of promoting vocational education and skill development.
