CBSE schools to offer skill training

Now, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) students in Std IX will learn retail, security, information and automobile technology. The board has introduced these vocational courses under the National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF) from 2013-14 at level I, Std IX onwards.

The CBSE is currently offering various skill-based courses at senior secondary to impart knowledge and training that strengthen the core skills of the students. To further strengthen this programme of developing skills and competencies, the ministry of human resource development has launched the NVEQF to be implemented in schools, colleges, polytechnics and universities from 2013-14.

Biswajit Saha, programme officer (vocational education) issued a circular on January 10.
Schools have been asked to offer all these courses of 200 hours each as additional compulsory subjects by rationalising the existing content for Stds IX and X on a pilot basis. Also, as a pilot programme, these courses have already been introduced in 42 schools affiliated to the board from the academic session 2012-13.

The competency-based curriculum package will consist of syllabus, student manual, trainers’ guide, training manual, teacher qualifications and multimedia packages and e-material to facilitate the successful implementation of the courses.

“Schools have to choose any one or more courses to be offered from Std IX onwards starting from the 2013-2014 session. All the necessary support and guidance towards teachers’ training and other aspects for the successful implementation of these courses will be provided by the board,” stated the circular.

Such courses were the need of the hour, say students. “Vocational training helps us in acquiring practical skills which will help us in seeking a job. It’s beneficial for those students who are focused on what they want to do at an early age. I am fascinated by automobiles and wanted to study further on their workings, so I think the automobile technology course will help me,” said Sanjay Kapoor, a Std VIII student from Powai.

Another student, Preeti Verma, believes the information technology course will be very popular among her classmates. “IT is a sector with a lot of job opportunities, and I am happy that we will learn about it from Std IX itself. Hopefully, it will give us an edge over others,” she said.