Dual system of apprenticeship collaboration workshop held post-Modi visit

As a follow up of PM Modi's visit to Hannover, Germany and his dialogue with Chancellor Merkel on the agenda of skill development, a Workshop was held highlighting the German Dual System of Apprenticeship training. The Workshop organized by Confederation of Indian Industry, supported by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, GOI was held on Thursday here.

Indian and German experts from Confederation of Indian Industry, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, private sector, German Chamber of Commerce, GIZ, and Federal Ministry of Education & Research- Germany participated in this workshop.

Three focused breakout sessions were conducted by German experts to facilitate better understanding of the Dual system of vocational education and how it can be applied to Indian context

Develop a comprehensive/systematic vision and discuss requirements for implementation

Train the-in-company trainer and defining core processes for quality assurance, assessment, certification and guidance

Revamped ATS curriculum and connect to Industry

Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Secretary Sunil Arora mentioned that the workshop helped to understand how the dual system can be applied at industrial clusters to help address the skill manpower demands of the Indian industry.

He said that a robust framework of apprenticeship training will directly create a higher productive workforce with better quality output in India.

The Apprenticeship Act of 1961 has been amended to address the immediate concerns within the skill eco-system, making it more responsive to the Industry and the youth. He mentioned the key features of the amendments, such as-Number of apprentices at establishment level instead of trade-wise; engagement of apprentices in optional trades which are not designated; inclusion of non-engineering occupations; outsourcing of basic training to another institute; submission of returns and other information through online portal.

He further mentioned that making skill development is a national priority, and added that July 15 will be celebrated as 'World Youth Skills Day', where major announcements on skills will be made by the Prime Minister.

Arjun Uppal, Member, CII National Committee on Skill Development, and Vice President- Corporate Affairs, DCM Shriram Ltd mentioned that to address the low employability in the youth, there is a need to focus on soft skill education. He also added that making skills aspirations will drive the agenda forward.

Hannes Barske, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany stated that the German Dual Mode is demand & quality driven model that is finding its need in various emerging markets around the world. The robustness of the dual model of Germany ensured the stability of the country's economy during the Financial Crisis of 2010.

The workshop saw focused deliberations and concluded with strong outcomes, which will be initiated by the industrial clusters.