Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC) launches apprenticeship-based under graduate degree program

Logistics Sector Skill Council (LSC), established by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) through National Skill Development Corporation of India (NSDC), has formally launched an apprenticeship-based UG degree programme in logistics in an impressive function held in New Delhi on February 04, 2019.The primary objective of this programme is to create adequate skills for gainful employment at supervisory / managerial levels in Logistics Industry.

At the inaugural function, welcoming the gathering Mr. R. Dinesh, Chairman, CII Advisory Council and MD of TVS Logistics Services Ltd said that huge employment potential in the fast growing logistics sector due to out-sourcing of logistics activity, is available and transformation of the Sector from largely unorganised to professionally organised is quite imminent. Congratulating LSC for promoting apprenticeship, for the past four years said Introduction of apprenticeship-based UG degree is the culmination of the sincere efforts made by LSC and workable model for a perfect linkage of Industry with Academia developed by LSC for the first time in the country. This became possible through the synergy between the Ministry of Human Resources Development, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Apprenticeship-based Under Graduate program in Logistics

Mr. Sandeep Barasia, Co-Chairman CII National Committee on Logistics and MD of Delhivery Pvt LTD, briefed on eCommerce Sector – about developments in Logistics.Mr. Mahendra Agarwal Chairman CII National Committee on Logistics and CEO and Founder of GATI Ltd, delivered his keynote address.Mr. Dilip Kumar Gupta MD & Director (Projects) Sagarmala Development Company Ltd, made a detailed presentation on SDC, on his special address.Mr. Bharat Joshi, Co-Chairman CII National Committee on Logistics and CEO of Jcurve Ventures Pvt Ltd, made his closing remarks at the end of the session. Mr. K T Mahidhar, Executive Director, CII – IL was also present on the opening session.Later, Degree Apprenticeship program launched, in the presence of Mr. N Sivasailam, Special Secretary, Department of Logistics, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI and other dignitaries.

On his special address, Mr. Rajesh Agrawal, Jt. Secretary and CVO of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said that MSDE considers Logistics sector as crucial due to its potential for creation of gainful employment. Govt. has many programs that are focussed towards enhancing skills in the Logistics Sector such as Sagarmala Skills program and the MoRTH programs for Driver training. At MSDE ,Apprenticeship and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme for the Services Sector has been introduced for the first time as Optional Trades .Well-experienced professional team of LSC has created apprenticeship embedded UG degree programme that combines both worlds of academia and industry. Further he added that MSDE is determined to make the skill embedded degree programme successful in coordination with MHRD.

Mr. Subba Rao, Senior Economic Advisor and Additional Secretary, MHRD, GoI said professionalising Humanities education through skilling has become priority for MHRD and it has taken a number of initiatives to embed skilling in higher education programmes. Apprenticeship embedded degree programmes is a logical step towards ensuring employability of graduates.Skilling in higher education creates huge human capital that is industry ready with appropriate skills. He praised LSC, which came forward to design and launch this degree programme that would change the way students learn concepts and acquire skills.

Capt. T.S. Ramanujam, CEO of LSC said that the Council has been taking a number of initiatives with the support of industry to skill its human resources. Apprenticeship based UG Degree programme in Logistics is the only solution to the unsaturated demand for skilled young graduates for deployment at the supervisory level. This degree programme has been designed keeping in mind the various guidelines and norms of MHRD and MSDE. On successful completion of this degree programme, students possess a degree and 18 months of industrial experience. LSC has taken up curriculum development for this degree programme, faculty training, course material preparation, academic process audit, and securing apprenticeship and final placements to the students.

LSC is poised and fully prepared for launching this programme in the 18 institutions where this programme would be offered from the ensuing academic year and detailed list of institutions that collaborate with LSC.