THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Oct 10: The University Grants Commission (UGC) is gearing up to roll out the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP), designed to improve the job prospects of undergraduate students by integrating practical industry training into their education.
The UGC has drafted guidelines for the programme. The guidelines, reviewed at the UGC meeting on October 3, will soon be posted on the UGC website for public consultation and input from stakeholders.
According to draft guidelines, the AEDP is intended to boost the employability of undergraduate students by embedding apprenticeship training within their degree programmes.
UGC Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar underscored the significance of the guidelines, pointing out that students will benefit from hands-on experience alongside their theoretical studies, thereby gaining the competencies sought by employers.
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He called on all eligible higher education institutions to leverage these guidelines and introduce AEDP programmes starting in the January-February 2025 academic session.
Under the draft guidelines, apprenticeships can start from the second semester and may account for up to 50% of the degree duration, requiring a minimum of one semester of continuous training. Credits are awarded based on training hours, with a full year equating to at least 40 credits.
A tripartite agreement among the higher education institution (HEI), industry, and students will clarify roles and responsibilities.
HEIs will monitor student progress post-AEDP to evaluate effectiveness, and students may receive stipends depending on the programme’s implementation under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) or the Apprentices Act of 1961.
