B. Voc courses have been introduced around ten years back in India and are currently being offered by few colleges across the country. However, the number of students opting for them have increased exponentially over the years, mostly because of the practical nature of the programme that helps students fast-track their career upon graduation in areas that heretofore was either part of the unorganised sector or were inaccessible. For instance, to pursue courses in hair styling and beautician programmes aspirants would have to look at expensive courses abroad for formal training or get trained in a beauty parlour informally.
Emerging Industry Needs
As per a FICCI, NASSCOM and EY report on “Future of Jobs”, 37% of the Indian workforce will be employed in new job roles. There are no formal training courses by education instituted to address these gaps. New B. Voc courses are being introduced every year after assessing the rising demand among students and the industry requirement for specific skillsets. The government is also refocusing its efforts on creating a skilled workforce that can jump into the job market upon completion of the programme and shoulder the growing industry demands.
The National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)
Students can enrol for the B. Voc course as per the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). There are multiple exit points to the course so, students can earn a certification(NSQF Level 4) after completing six months of the course, or leave after 1 year and earn a Diploma (NSQF Level 5), earn an Advanced Diploma (NSQF Level 6) after two years or receive the B.V0c degree after completing three years of the course.
Relevance of B. Voc Courses in India
The B.Voc courses in India are at par with any of the traditional degree courses offered in the country. After a B. Voc. Students also have the option to pursue an M. Voc and many go further and even pursue an MBA programme. Vocational courses concentrate more on experiential learning and hence have a large practical component attached to them.
The course has more internships, hands-on training and instructions linked to it. It has brought into the fold of formal sector a number of qualifications and made it accessible to a large number of students from all walks of life.
