Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) has decided to offer industrial training courses related to manufacturing technology to enhance the skills of rural youth in the State.
Speaking about the introduction of the courses, K Parathasarathy, Vice-chancellor, TNOU said that the varsity has designed three industrial training courses namely Certificate in Manufacturing Technology, Diploma in Manufacturing Technology, and Advanced Diploma in Manufacturing Technology.
Keeping in mind the industrial requirements across the state, the varsity has designed the three courses in the first phase. Parathasarathy said that a proposal has been shared with the higher education department for the approval of these courses.
Once these courses are adopted under the Apprenticeship Act, the participants of these training courses will receive stipends that will be of great benefit to them, the VC said.
The varsity has developed comprehensive course materials for all the three courses. Therefore, the university authorities are hoping for the department's approval.
As per the apprenticeship act, all the private and public sector units with a workforce of over 40 have been directed to engage apprentices, as they'd constitute 2.5 - 10% of the total workforce.
TNOU authorities stated that there will be a multitude of benefits to the rural youth, if the proposal is accepted by the state government.
K Parathasarathy spoke about the benefits of implementing these three courses. He said that if the course gains popularity amongst the youth, it will increase the revenue.
Further, these industrial training courses will refine the skills of rural youngsters making them employable and industry-ready, he said.
The University believes that as the state is one of the developing manufacturing hubs, the implementation of these courses will be useful to impart the requisite industry skills in the students.
