Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF), a pioneer in providing technical training, has launched a unique, B.Voc programme in partnership with prominent universities and colleges. The dual benefits of the programme awards the students with a degree and a diploma.
The three-year curriculum is built on a concurrent approach and provides students with the opportunity to earn a university degree as well as an NTTF diploma. Students with a B.Voc degree in a specific skill set are also eligible to apply for a specific skill-based visa for study abroad or explore many avenues for higher studies. It also makes them eligible to apply for several competitive examinations that mandate a three year degree certificate.
Team NSN spoke with Ms. G. S. Kalpana, Sr. General Manager and Management Representative, NTTF, to learn more about the B.Voc programme’s uniqueness and NTTF’s collaborations with institutions for the programme. Continue reading to learn more!
Q. Please tell us about your collaboration with universities and colleges to offer B.Voc and what are the courses currently available for the students to enroll?
A: The main objective of our B.Voc programme is to develop individuals with the technical skills and knowledge needed for manufacturing and allied industries and products. As a result, NTTF has been offering B.Voc programmes in collaboration with universities since 2017. We’ve worked with VIT -Vellore Institute of Technology, KLE University- Hubli, and ARKA JAIN University – Jamshedpur, starting with Dayananda Sagar University in Bengaluru. We started with 20 students and now have over 300 students enrolled in our B.Voc programme.
Following is the list of courses being offered in collaboration with universities and colleges:
Dayanand Sagar University – Bangalore ( Karnataka)
B.Voc Degree + NTTF Diploma in Tool Engineering, Mechatronics, Computers and Information Technology (IT) for Plus Two students / ITI / Equivalent
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) – Vellore ( Tamilnadu)
B.Voc Degree + NTTF Diploma in Tool Engineering and Mechatronics for Plus Two students/ ITI / Equivalent
ARKA JAIN University – Jamshedpur (Jharkhand )
B.Voc Degree + NTTF Diploma in Tool Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics and Communication, Electricals and Electronics for Plus Two students/ ITI / Equivalent
Q. How is the NTTF model of B.Voc different from other B.Voc programmes since it has an in-built concurrent Diploma program.
A: A concurrent model underpins our B.Voc programme. Students in other B.Voc programmes are only eligible for a degree after completing their diploma. Following the diploma, universities offer lateral entrance in the second year, and students finish the course and receive their degree in two years. When students enroll in a Diploma programme at NTTF, they also have the option of enrolling in a B.Voc programme. They will receive two certificates at the conclusion of the three years: an NTTF diploma and a university degree.
Q.Tell us more about the course design, why NTTF perceived the need to offer this format of B.Voc and how you ensure industry alignment for curriculum and placement?
A: Our B.Voc programmes are designed in accordance with UGC guidelines. Vocational skills, general education with a focus on practical work, on-the-job training, and project work are all part of the curriculum. The courses are based on a credit system, with practical and hands-on training accounting for more than 60% of the curriculum. Our slogan is learn while producing and produce while learning.
We invite industry representatives to the Board of Studies(BOS) to ensure that our courses are industry-aligned, and we use their inputs in curriculum design. Our placement process has been greatly facilitated by implementing a syllabus that is aligned with industry requirements, ensuring that our students are industry-ready. For example, a number of our students were offered an Internship with Lufthansa India, Duroflex, Bharat Fritz Werner Ltd, Textron India etc. and were later hired by the same company. When it comes to choosing students for brief apprenticeships, industries prefer to choose students who are enrolled in our B.Voc programmes.
Q. How is the response to the program? Do you notice any trends in the type of student enrolment and industry participation?
A: Both students and parents appreciate NTTF’s B.Voc programme since they have always desired a degree with a diploma. After completing their B.Voc, students are eligible to pursue an MBA, as well as appear for UPSC, Bank & Railways examination and other competitive tests that require a basic degree. Since it is equivalent to a regular degree programme, there is a high level of interest in enrolment. We began with 20 students and now have over 300 students enrolled in the programme. The response from the industry, like that of the students and parents, is enormous and encouraging!
Q. Are there options for multiple levels of certification and flexibility to exit and rejoin the programme based on the credits?
A: In our diploma programmes at NTTF, we’ve introduced multi entry – exit options where students can receive certifications even if they discontinue at the end of the first or second year. We haven’t yet incorporated the flexible exit and re-join option in the B.Voc programme because it is a concurrent programme in which students receive both a diploma from NTTF and a university degree.
The B.Voc programmes are a recent initiative from the Ministry of Education and UGC, aimed at aligning higher education with industry needs. This programme ensures that graduates have the necessary knowledge and skills for work and entrepreneurship, which is why practical training is a major focus of the courses.
With a B.Voc degree in a specific skill set, rather than a general work permit for foreign study, one can apply for a specific skill-based visa as well.
Q. How and when did the collaboration with universities start? Was there any strategy behind it?
A: Universities have been collaborating with NTTF in response to NEP 2020’s emphasis on beginning vocational training alongside general education. The B.Voc programme benefits both NTTF and the partner institutions since it allows the universities to offer technical training to their students while also assisting NTTF in launching a degree programme for its students. Universities are referred to as Academy partners, while NTTF is referred to as a Skilled partner in the collaboration.
Also read: Why industry-specific higher education needs a skilling orientation https://www.nationalskillsnetwork.in/industry-specific-higher-education-needs-a-skilling-orientation/
Q. Any other points you wish to mention…
A: The B.Voc programme will continue in the future with more skill components that are used for a technical degree. NTTF believes in the ‘Learn and Earn’ strategy and it is being implemented in our B.Voc programs as well. NTTF pioneers in providing practical based diplomas to students and Creating Skilled Champions for the Industry. Now we are venturing into the B.Voc programmes with practical training as it is going to be in demand in the future and it’s the need of the hour too!
