CBSE ties up with Australian Institute to Offer Vocational Courses in Indian Schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and an Australian institute - Central Institute of Technology (Central/CIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner and undertake "Vocational Education and Training" (VET) in Indian schools for students of class XI & XII from 2013-14 academic session onwards.

CBSE is planning to invite up to 150 schools to pilot this program. Based on the success of the pilot program, it is planned to expand the program further in 2014.

The initiative represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the relationship between India and Australia through the establishment of an Indian VET in schools program based on the Australian system.

This initiative of introducing vocational courses is consistent with the Australian and the Indian government’s engagement strategy and the Australia-India Education Council’s focus. The development of a VET in Schools program in India is a key part of the Ministry of Human Resource Development skills strategy.

Neil Fernandes, the Managing Director of Central Institute of Technology (Central/CIT) told click4college that this initiative is a excellent opportunity for the Australian and Indian governments to:

• develop a model for VET (Vocational Education and Training ) engagement in India;
• support the development of a strategic alliance between CBSE and Central;
• support the development of the Indian labour market enabling young Indians to complete school with both a secondary school certificate and job-oriented skills;
• enhance the perception of VET in India;
• capacity build Indian schools to deliver VET and
• enable the development of VET pedagogical skills for selected Indian teachers who in turn will be able to transfer these skills to other teachers.

According to the MoU, the CBSE and Central will teach the following four vocational courses to students of Class XI and XII, with affiliated training for school teachers:

1. Design Fundamental- This course would provide students with the ability to create and communicate design concepts using various design technologies and techniques.

2. Business Administration - This qualification will provide students with specialist skills of business administration including accounts, keyboard skills and word processing.

3. Music Technical Production - This qualification will provide students with a practical introduction to recording processes including, mixing, editing and post-production.

4. Beauty Services - This qualification starts students’ path to success in beauty therapy. Throughout the studies they will gain the knowledge and skills to provide a variety of basic beauty treatments and services to clients.

Before these courses begin, Central Institute of Technology (CIT) would provide:

• Resource Materials for students and teachers for each of the four sectors. CIT and CBSE will contextualise these resources based on regional/national requirements with the help of local experts. The resultant certificate for completion of the course will be issued by CBSE with CIT’s logo included.
   
• Master training for 8 school teachers and two officials from CBSE as part of a 2 week vocational leadership training program in Perth, in 2012. The Group will also be provided with the opportunity to establish links with the Western Australian Curriculum Council and Education Department and key local schools offering VET programs.

Nishatha Abraham Bijeesh

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