UGC Launches AEDP to Enhance Graduate Employability through Apprenticeships
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled draft guidelines for the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP), aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This initiative aims to better prepare students for the evolving job market by integrating academic learning with practical industry experience. The guidelines will enable Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to incorporate apprenticeships or internships into any undergraduate degree programs recognized by the UGC, focusing on outcome-based learning and enhancing students' professional competencies.
Open for public consultation, these guidelines are set to be implemented in the January-February 2025 academic session. The AEDP allows students to combine classroom education with on-the-job training, ultimately increasing their competitiveness in the job market. This program targets various sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, IT, healthcare, hospitality, retail, fintech, banking, and business.
What is AEDP?
The AEDP offers a distinctive opportunity for students to merge traditional academic education with hands-on experience through apprenticeships. Participants will spend part of their degree working directly with industry professionals, gaining practical insights that complement their theoretical knowledge.
“The guidelines aim to enhance employability by embedding apprenticeships into the curriculum as a sustainable element,” said Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar, chairperson of the UGC. This approach ensures that graduates acquire both theoretical understanding and the practical skills required by industries.
Flexibility and Credit System
The AEDP guidelines grant HEIs flexibility in scheduling apprenticeships, allowing integration from the second semester onward. Up to 50% of a degree's duration can be dedicated to apprenticeships, with a minimum of one full semester required for hands-on experience.
Key to the AEDP is its connection to the National Credit Framework (NCrF), where 30 hours of training equate to one credit. For example, a year-long apprenticeship translates to 40 credits, while a six-month stint corresponds to 20 credits. “If HEIs follow the credit mechanisms outlined in the AEDP Guidelines, we anticipate smooth implementation,” Prof. Kumar stated.
Stipend Payment Mechanism
The guidelines clarify the stipend payment process for apprentices. Depending on whether the AEDP is accessed via the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal or through direct industry partnerships, students will receive stipends accordingly. In direct agreements, the industry pays the stipend in line with the Apprentices Act of 1961 and the Apprenticeship Rules of 1992, while government support is available through NATS. Transparency in stipend payments is essential, emphasizes Prof. Kumar.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The UGC guidelines emphasize tracking student progress after apprenticeships. The outcomes of the AEDP will be monitored to assess graduates' employability and the program's effectiveness in workforce preparation. Key metrics will include job placement rates, industries graduates enter, and their career trajectories. This tracking will extend for at least one year post-completion.
Prof. Kumar notes, "Post-training tracking will enable the UGC to evaluate AEDP's impact on students' career and educational choices, providing valuable insights for future enhancements."
Institutional Preparedness
Many HEIs are enthusiastic about adopting the AEDP. Anunaya Chaubey, provost of Anant National University, Gujarat, said, "We are ready to implement AEDP as we prioritize strong industry-academia connections." The university is enhancing existing industry relationships to ensure a wide range of internship opportunities.
Prof. Dwarika Prasad Uniyal, vice chancellor (i/c) of RV University, Bangalore, highlighted that they are restructuring their curriculum to include AEDP in technology, management, and design courses. "We hope to roll out this program by the 2025 academic year in phases," he said.
Thammi Reddy Konala, dean of GD Goenka University's School of Engineering and Sciences, shared that they have already integrated apprenticeships into their curriculum, partnering with industry leaders like IBM and L&T to offer specialized training.
Building Industry Partnerships
HEIs are actively strengthening collaborations with industries to ensure AEDP's success. RV University’s Career Development and Placements (CDP) cell is focused on engaging industry professionals through guest lectures, live projects, and internships.
“Our four-year programs allow flexibility for long-term industry engagement. We plan to formalize agreements with industries to align our curriculum with their needs,” said Prof. Uniyal. “Companies across various sectors are eager to collaborate on training specific skills.”
Addressing Skill Gaps
A key goal of the AEDP is to fill skill gaps across industries by providing relevant, up-to-date training. Dr. Praveen Gupta, principal director and chief of neurology at Fortis Hospital, emphasized that the healthcare sector faces unique challenges, necessitating hands-on skills that can only be acquired through practical experience.
“Embedding apprenticeships in healthcare courses could significantly bridge the gap between academic learning and clinical practice,” he stated.
Overcoming Challenges
While the AEDP presents significant opportunities, its implementation comes with challenges. Prof. Uniyal noted the need for specialized faculty training to effectively mentor students. RV University plans to offer faculty sabbaticals to work on industry projects, ensuring they bring contemporary knowledge back to the classroom.
With a Board of Studies that includes industry experts, the university aims to keep faculty updated with relevant corporate exposure.
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