Approach
The project pilots cooperative vocational education and training in clusters. A cluster consists of a group of companies in a specific region and sector, which is represented by a chamber or industry association. The project works closely with the chambers and industry associations and decides together with the members which model of cooperative vocational education and training best meets their needs. In each case the model selected is then implemented at the cluster locations in partnership with interested VET colleges and the responsible Government stakeholders.
The project supports six clusters:
- the automotive components cluster in Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- the electronics cluster in Bengaluru, Karnataka
- the energy efficient construction cluster in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan
- the solar energy cluster in Pune, Maharashtra
- the retail cluster in Mumbai, Maharashtra
- the life sciences cluster in Hyderabad, Telangana
In order to enable future application to further regions and sectors, the project documents the cooperative vocational education and training rollout processes in the six clusters and promotes dialogue between the Government and private sector stakeholders. It also advises the Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on potential strategy modifications. The advisory work focuses on improving participation mechanisms and designing the cooperative vocational education and training to be gender-sensitive.
Results
Creating cooperative training opportunities:
Since the project began piloting six cooperative vocational education and training models - one model per cluster - 300 youths and young adults have completed one of these courses. A total of 11,000 youths and young adults have also received access to better training opportunities.
Involving companies:
New structures have been created in the six clusters, so that companies of any size have the opportunity to be actively involved in shaping the cooperative training on offer. In all, 14,000 small, medium and large companies have already participated in designing and implementing cooperative vocational education and training in their respective cluster.
Promoting dialogue:
The project has organised various dialogue formats at over 20 locations throughout India. Over 1,500 representatives of public and private sector organisations have participated in the events and actively exchanged information on their experiences with implementing cooperative vocational education and training.
Strategy advice and systemic change:
The project has developed five concrete recommendations for strategy modifications related to cooperative vocational education and training. Three of the five recommendations have already been implemented by the Indian Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and mainstreamed in corresponding strategy papers.
