Introduction
The world is a competitive job market, and the application of educational knowledge must be accompanied by practical skills. The workforce needs individuals who can be employed immediately and make a contribution from day one. In recognition of this, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has come up with Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP), in which education is combined with practical training. As students enrol in this program they gain industry exposure as part of their studies and thereby enhance their employability.
What is WILP?
Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) are designed to fuse academic study with hands-on work experience. This ensures that students not only comprehend what is taught in classrooms but also understand how to use it in actual situations. A WILP is an adaptable and inventive approach focussing on several industrial sectors, thus producing graduates who meet shifting labour market needs.
The Need for WILP
Today’s companies need practical skills so, new workers must have real-world skills. To ensure that higher education aligns with industry requirements and needs, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a scheme for higher education in India that integrates vocational training and business management into the education system. This will include field visits, a guest lecture by industry experts, a warm-up and experiential training in addition to their classes. Finally, all students need to complete industrial training or projects.
Key Objectives of the WILP
The key objectives of WILP are :
- Industry-Aligned Higher Education : Make higher education align with the emerging needs of the economy.
- Enhance Employability: Graduate with the capabilities for employability and entrepreneurship.
- Provide Practical Knowledge: develop practical skills and understand the job market demand from students.
- Flexibility in Learning: Provides flexibility with multiple entry and exit points, allowing students to earn UG Certificates, UG Diplomas, and Bachelor’s degrees under the National Skills Qualification Framework ( NSQF).
Benefits to the Industry
Sure! Here’s a more detailed explanation of the benefits to the industry:
- On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Skill Development:
Companies have the opportunity to train students directly on the job, allowing them to work as Skill Knowledge Providers (SKPs). This hands-on approach ensures that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also gain practical experience. As a result, the industry benefits from a workforce that is already familiar with the company’s processes and standards, reducing the time and resources needed for additional training.
- Enhanced Workforce Skills:
Workers participating in these programs have the chance to improve their skills within a real-world context. Through On-the-Job training (OJT), they learn by doing, which accelerates their learning curve and helps them become more proficient in their roles. This continuous skill enhancement contributes to higher efficiency and productivity, directly benefiting the organization.
- Work-Integrated Learning Programs (WILPs):
Organizations can take advantage of WILPs to further develop the skills of their existing workforce. By enrolling employees in these programs, companies can ensure that their staff stays up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies. This approach not only increases the average tenure of employees by offering them growth opportunities but also boosts overall productivity and operational efficiency.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
Companies can fulfill their social responsibilities by sponsoring students through these programs. By investing in the education and training of the next generation, organizations contribute to the broader community while simultaneously building a pipeline of skilled talent. This sponsorship can enhance the company’s reputation and strengthen its relationship with the community.
- Talent Pool Development:
These programs give companies a unique opportunity to train, assess, and retain the most talented students, similar to professional placement programs. By closely monitoring the performance and development of students, companies can identify top talent early on and offer them permanent positions. This strategy ensures a steady inflow of skilled professionals who are already aligned with the company’s culture and objectives.
Levels of Certification in WILP:
WILP has a certificate at 3 levels; so that learners do not lose any of their obtain certifications in the manner of their studies, certifications can be opted for as follows:
- – Undergraduate Certificate (1 year) – NSQF Level 4.5
- – Undergraduate Diploma (2 years) – NSQF Level 5
- – B.Voc. Degree (3 years) – NSQF Level 5.5
Programs Offered by SGSU
Scope Global Skills University (SGSU), Central India’s first NEP and NSQF aligned skills university, offers D.Voc., B.Voc., and M.Voc. programs. Established in 2023 under the UGC 2F Act, SGSU is part of the AISECT Group. These programs combine practical, theoretical, and generic courses, engaging students in on-the-job training alongside classroom learning. The programs are designed to enhance employability and employment prospects.
D.Voc. Degree Programs
- Retail Management
- Hospitality
- Automobile Production
- Logistics and Operation Management
- Nursing Care Assistant
- Pharmacy Assistant
B.Voc. Degree Programs
- Agriculture
- Automobile Production
- Fashion Designing
- Therapeutic Yoga
- Production/Manufacturing
- Food Processing
- Interior Designing
M.Voc. Degree Programs
- Automobile Production
- Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance
- Electronics Manufacturing
- Application of Computers
- Retail Management
- Travel and Tourism
Career Opportunities
WILP programs are designed to impart at least 60% vocational training and up to 40% general education. This pragmatic pedagogy synchronizes the industry requirements by providing the students with hands-on training in their area of specialization, helps them inculcate the requisite practical & sensory skills to serve better in various industries/organizations, enhances employability & thus offers an advantage over peers in terms of employment. Besides the WILP Degree i.e. Polytechnic Diploma being equivalent to the regular Diploma the same is also awarded based on the respective Vocational trades recognized by industry, thereby creating synergies between Education & Economy.
Conclusion
Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) are an important part of the curriculum that helps in building confidence and makes students ready for the challenges of the professional world. WILP is designed to ensure that students completing graduation have the desired skills aptitude/attitude for taking up a job or starting their own venture. WILPs are not just an important element of the curriculum but an articulation of SGSU’s philosophy to provide quality education on par with industry, improving the employability and growth quotient of student during their tenure at SGSU.
