With the publication of Class 10 examinations, students have to choose the right course for higher studies. The Diploma in Vocation (D-Voc), a job-oriented programme equivalent to polytechnic courses, is one apt choice for successful students.
The course is approved by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and is part of the multi-level National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
The three-year programme will be comparatively new in Kerala and only select polytechnics are offering it.
Under the programme, students are introduced to courses like Printing Technology, Hospitality Management, Automobile Technician, and Multimedia & Graphics. In Kerala, the programme is conducted jointly by the State Board of Technical Education and ASAP Kerala.
ASAP Kerala acts as the skill training partner for the programme and is responsible for providing industrial training. It assures all help to students in finding jobs after the successful completion of the course.
Industrial training
Unlike the usual diploma courses, the students of the D-Voc programme are imparted industrial training in each year of the course to develop job-oriented skills. They are given on-the-job training for six months a year. The main objective of the programme is to provide entrepreneurial orientation, along with skill training for self-employment.
Convenient schedule
The classes are scheduled from 2 pm to 7 pm to enable students who do part-time jobs too to pursue the course.
During the first year, students will be awarded Level-3 certificate corresponding to NSQF Level 3. There is flexibility for multiple entry and exit. If a student discontinues the course after one year of study, he/she will be awarded that year’s NSQF Level certificate. Students completing the D-Voc programme can obtain lateral admission to B Tech courses. Besides, they need to study only two years for obtaining the Bachelor of Vocation (B-Voc) degree.
Self-financing model
The fee structure followed is that of the self-financing model. The course fee is Rs 37,500 per annum. Financial assistance is being extended to eligible students using the Corporate Social Responsibility fund of the Federal Bank. Also, the CSR funds of other companies and financial aid provided by the Scheduled Caste Development Department are extended to students to help them continue the studies.
Polytechnics offering the D-Voc programme
• Printing Technology: Government Polytechnic, Shoranur. This is the only institute offering the course in Kerala. The field of study has high employability prospects.
• Hospitality Management: Government Polytechnic, Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram.
• Automobile Technician: Government Polytechnic, Nattakam, Kottayam; Government Polytechnic, Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram; Sree Narayana Polytechnic, Kottiyam, Kollam.
• Multimedia & Graphics: Government Polytechnic, Perumbavoor, Ernakulam. This new course has been started this year. The sector has numerous job opportunities.
For more details, call: 9495999623 or 9495999709. Website link: /asapkerala.gov.in/community-colleges/
(The author of this article is Niyas Ali Pulikkal, Programme Manager, Community College Department, ASAP Kerala)