iMOVE Germany, in collaboration with National Skills Network (NSN), organized a webinar series titled ‘NEP 2020 – The Game Changer for Indo-German Collaboration.‘ The first session, “NEP 2020 as Collaboration Catalyst,” was held on 24th September 2024.
This series aimed to unite institutions and organizations from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and skill education ecosystems in India and Germany to catalyze new collaboration ideas and unlock the potential of National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) for innovative, mutually rewarding partnerships between the two countries.
Watch the recorded webinar for the first session on our YouTube channel below:
NEP 2020 – The Game Changer for Indo-German Collaboration
NEP 2020 envisions education as a pathway to achieve sustainable employment and livelihoods. With its transformative approach to school-level and higher education, NEP 2020 considers the socio-economic and historical context of education, offering groundbreaking recommendations to meet youth aspirations. With the support from the Government of India and various state governments, technical training and higher education institutions in Germany have an opportunity to explore innovative collaborations with Indian institutions.
NEP 2020 stands as a catalyst for strategic and sustainable partnerships between Germany and India in TVET, skill development, and work-integrated learning. The transformative potential of the policy opens new avenues for:
- Mainstreaming vocational education through skill integration in schools and colleges, promoting apprenticeships.
- Restructuring undergraduate and postgraduate programs with flexible formats, incorporating work-integrated learning.
- Revamping curriculum and pedagogy to align with industry demands and enhance international compatibility.
- Internationalization of higher education by welcoming top global universities to establish International Branch Campuses (IBCs) in India.
- New opportunities for exchange programs, fellowships, and funding.
- Focus on green technologies, Industry 4.0, AI-enabled industry solutions, and more.
These initiatives provide new opportunities for German institutions to engage with their Indian counterparts. The event was hosted by the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), iMOVE: Training – made in Germany.
Highlights of the session 1: NEP 2020 as Collaboration Catalyst
The eminent panelists for the first session were,
- Mr. B. V. Sudharshan, Managing Director of Edutech Nettur Technical Training Foundation (NTTF)
- Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Chancellor of Scope Global Skills University (SGSU)
- Mr. Mohan S. Iyer, General Manager at Christiani Sharpline Technical Training (CSTT)
The session was moderated by,
- Mr. Karthikeyan Arunachalam, Head of iMOVE India
- Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder-Director of National Skills Network (NSN)
Key points from the panel discussion focused on the following
- The need for high-quality technical training and international collaboration, and how new opportunities for partnerships with Germany are evolving in training, apprenticeship, and employment.
- The role of skill universities in India and NEP 2020 provisions encouraging international partnerships in higher education, along with potential models for collaboration with Germany.
- The positive impact of delivering high-quality training infrastructure from Germany through mutually beneficial collaborations with technical institutions in India.
Need for high-quality technical training and international collaborations
Mr. B. V. Sudharshan discussed the growing need for high-quality technical training in India, especially in the context of international collaborations. He emphasized the unique demographic advantage India holds, with its large youth population, and noted, “India can address both its own demand and support global skill shortages, especially with Germany opening up to foreign talent.”
Highlighting NTTF’s collaboration with German companies, where students are trained to meet German standards, particularly in apprenticeships, Mr. B. V. Sudharshan said, “Language skills, especially in German, are crucial for easier entry into Germany’s job market.” Additionally, he pointed out the significant opportunities for German vocational training providers to collaborate with India in upgrading ITIs, aligning curriculums, infrastructure, and trainer development to meet the global standards.
Role of skill universities in India
Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, emphasized the crucial role of skill universities in bridging the gap between academia and industry. “Skill universities focus on up to 70% practical training, ensuring students are job-ready,” he said. He highlighted how these institutions align closely with local industries, incorporating hands-on training, internships, and apprenticeships modeled on systems like Germany’s dual education.
Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi also noted the NEP 2020’s push for vocational training, with its goal to expose 50% of students to practical skills by 2030. “NEP 2020 gives us the tools to create apprenticeship-embedded degree programs (AEDPs), breaking the traditional academic-vocational method,” he added. These programs are designed to blend academic learning with real-world experience, making graduates more adaptable to the evolving job market.
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Bridging indo-german collaboration in skill development
Mr. Mohan Iyer, emphasized the significance of Indo-German collaborative ventures in enhancing technical education in India. “We have been operating in the TVET and skilling space since 2009, providing complete technical learning solutions based on the German model,” he noted. By integrating 70% practical training into the curriculum. “We act as knowledge partners, supplying essential resources and materials to ensure students gain the skills required by today’s industry.”
Mr. Mohan Iyer also highlighted the impact of NEP 2020 on fostering flexibility in curriculum adoption. “NEP 2020 has opened new avenues for institutions, allowing for a more adaptable learning framework,” he remarked. As demand for skilled labor rises, particularly with opportunities in Germany, Mr. Mohan Iyer sees a growing role for Christiani Sharpline in supporting various educational levels, from ITIs to universities. “Our aim is to provide end-to-end solutions that empower students to thrive in the evolving job market,” he concluded, reinforcing the importance of quality training and resources in skill development.
Emerging fields and the urgent need for skill training
The second part of the discussion focused on emerging fields and the pressing need for skill training in India and beyond and insights from the panelists on the current trends and international requirements that highlight the urgency for skills development.
- In the second part of the discussion, Mr. BV Sudarshan emphasized the demand for skilled professionals in India, particularly in technical fields such as electricians, welders, and automation experts, while highlighting collaboration opportunities between Indian and German vocational institutions. He discussed the importance of the National Credit Framework (NCrF) in improving vocational education and proposed structured internship programs to provide students with hands-on experience in both countries.
- Mr. Siddharth Chaturvedi emphasizes that NCrF operationalizes the NEP 2020’s intent, facilitating skills recognition and academic credit banking. He identifies key skill demand areas, including future skills, sustainability, and hospitality, while highlighting the importance of women’s participation, upskilling in MSMEs, international mobility, and entrepreneurship as critical themes for workforce development.
- Mr. Mohan Iyer highlights the significance of technical skills, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, where there is a growing need for trained technicians and engineers. He also emphasizes the demand for skills in vertical mobility, such as elevators and escalators, driven by urban development. And stressing the importance of foundational learning and the need for well-trained instructors to ensure effective skill transfer.
The panel discussion was followed by a interactive QnA where the speakers answered a few important questions from the audience.
This first session set the stage for future collaborations, aiming to harness the full potential of NEP 2020 in transforming the educational landscape and strengthening Indo-German ties in skill development. Aligning India’s educational frameworks with global standards, particularly in green technology and Industry 4.0, is essential for fostering sustainable partnerships with countries like Germany. Looking into the opportunities for creating international branch campuses and exchange programs underscores the potential for enhancing educational outcomes and prepare students for the workforce.
