In anticipation of the transition of all arts and science undergraduate programs into the four-year mode in Kerala, the government has announced plans to establish skill development centers in all colleges across the state. This initiative aims to equip students with essential skills and bridge the gap between education and employment opportunities.
Higher Education Minister R Bindu made this announcement during the state-level inauguration of an orientation program on the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) for Plus Two students. The event, organized by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), took place at St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram.
The foundation segment of FYUGP includes various skill development courses, and the proposed skill development centers are expected to benefit undergraduate students significantly. Minister Bindu emphasized that the lack of skills often hinders the transition from education to vocation. The four-year program, with its emphasis on skill development, aims to bridge this gap effectively.
According to Bindu, pursuing skill development courses will not only keep students abreast of the latest job market requirements but also earn them valuable credits. The FYUGP is characterized by ‘experiential learning’ and follows a student-centric approach, providing students with the freedom to choose courses not only from their own college but also from other institutions and online platforms.
The academic bank of credits introduced under FYUGP will allow students to store earned credits digitally, facilitating their transfer or later use. During the orientation session, Bindu released the ‘Hand Book on FYUGP’ prepared by KSHEC.
Rajan Varughese, member-secretary of KSHEC, presided over the event, which was attended by Fr. Nelson Valiaveetil, principal of St. Mary’s HSS, Vanaja P S, registrar of KSHEC, and school PTA president Sunil Kumar. The orientation session, conducted by Sudhindran K, KSHEC research officer, saw the participation of around 200 students, parents, and teachers.
Similar orientation sessions will be organized in other districts in the coming days to raise awareness about FYUGP and its benefits. With the establishment of skill development centers in colleges, Kerala aims to enhance the employability of its undergraduate students and prepare them for the evolving job market.
