Many of you might have noticed, or in fact even experienced in first hand, that a student of a undergoing Academic qualification questions to himself quite often, in exasperation, “Why in the world am I studying this?” Clearly as a result, education and knowledge no more remains to be something that a student seeks out, but has turned into something the student is forced to push into memory just for the sake of passing his/ her exams in subjects may not be his/ her forte. Now, it is time to revolutionize this way of thinking which degrades the concept of knowledge and skill which is so revered in all Indian religions. It is our time to progress; it is our time now; for this educational revolution, so needed by the current society, can only be achieved by vocational education.

Vocational Education and training is the way to bridge this gap and to make the Students Industry Ready. It is the next big transformation happening in India. Vocational Education is a time tested model prevalent in China, Germany and Switzerland; any student who has completed SSC, ICSE, CBSE, NIOS or IGCSE can take up a vocational program as a career instead of pursuing academic education i.e. XI & XII in Arts, Commerce or Science.

Vocational Education, an empowering alternative to Academic Education

Vocational education is like an insurance against unemployment and also allows the student to pursue Graduation in the same trade. You can even start your own business with the “Skill” you have acquired.

As per the current education system, even after Graduation (B.A., B.Sc. or B.Com.) students lack employable skills and hence they end up doing mundane jobs like clerical, junior accountant, sales, etc. Of the 2.5 million university graduates India produces each year, nearly 20 per cent have engineering degrees and diplomas, but the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) estimates that only 25% of the technical graduates and 15% of other types of graduates meet the standards of employability.

The Indian youth must not simply focus on acquiring a graduate degree, which will only provide them with theoretical knowledge of their field of choice, but in fact must expand their focus to include Vocational training which will give them hands-on experience as well as provide them with the practical knowledge and understanding of all the skills required specifically in their field of choice.

The following figure depicts the difference between traditional Academic Education and Vocational Education:

RAGC – Dahanu

RAGC, Dahanu aims in bringing about a revolutionary change in the mindset of parents, students and teachers by making Vocational Education a prime career choice for a child. We began the journey on 10th August 2012 for the academic year 2012 – 13 with a 2 year full-time program with the Edexcel Board, U.K., BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Hospitality & Construction. These programs are an empowering alternative to the grade 11th and 12th while giving the students the specialization in the career of their choice.

The Campus

The magnificent institute and infrastructure, established at RAGC - Dahanu, is a testament to the commitment we have, towards the high quality of Vocational Education, we desire to impart to the students. We have established here;

• 3,700 sq.ft Hospitality Training Area like a 5 * Hotel

• 5000 sq.ft. Automobile Shed at Project stage

• IT Lab

• Wi-Fi Campus

We have started our courses in the following streams / trades;

1. Hospitality

This two year course programme will provide you with a blend of theory and practical units. These will form a complete package to equip you with the knowledge, and skills to start an exciting career.
Future Prospects:
In India, the industry supports 48 million jobs, directly or indirectly. After passing many students opt for jobs into hotels / resorts / tourism / corporate houses / facility management services / ships at entry level. The salaries offered range, from Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 15,000/- pm. The student can also commence his own entrepreneurial business venture.

2. Construction

The program provides them with an opportunity to understand the Civil engineering in areas of Real Estate (Residential & Commercial), Infrastructure Projects (Roads, Dams, Bridges etc.)
Future Prospects:
Construction is the second largest employer in India. By 2022, 150.02 million people will be required in the construction industry. After a mere 2 year education, our students will begin their career as a trainee supervisor. In a period of 2 building life cycles the student is upgraded to be a supervisor and his pay is almost Rs, 20,000/- pm or more.

3. Automobile

The student gets the chance to familiarize themselves with the various underlying principles of Vehicle technology. The learner will be expected to carry out practical work as well as classroom underpinning knowledge to support the practical aspect of this type of work.
Future Prospects:
By 2022, 35 million people will be required in the automobile industry. The student will commence his career as an Auto maintenance technician and maintain automotive vehicles. The student on having an experience of at least 2 to 3 years can vertically grow to be a Service Advisor. The starting pay is expected to be between Rs. 8,000/- and Rs. 10,000/- pm.

4. Business

This qualification is a 2 year course that is equivalent designed to train learners

• To work in the media industry,

• Providing the learner with the opportunity; to study and explore media industry, media theory and principles & media production skills.

Future Prospects:
This is a most exciting and engaging course, which provides the learner with a wide-range of media skills. This, in turn, will help you discover the area of expertise, as well as help you understand the broader skill set needed to work in the Media Industry.

Global Scenario : Switzerland

In Switzerland, the most popular form of upper-secondary level of education is vocational education. Approximately 2/3rds of the population of Switzerland have been provided with a firm grasp of their occupation through vocation education and training. It is perhaps due to this that Switzerland enjoys the second highest rate of employment- 83%. In fact a dual system of education exists where, Professional education and training (PET) is the next step after Professional education and training (PET). The VET/PET dual system thus ensures that the young people of Switzerland have a bright future in the career by providing them with a solid foundation, and also at the same time it works to satisfy the demands for skilled labour.

Global Scenario : Germany

Vocational education and training is widely respected in German society. The system offers qualifications in a large number of occupations and flexibly adapts to the changing needs of the labour market. In Germany, learning on the job is a traditional component of the education system. All vocational training is aimed at imparting comprehensive professional competence in the occupation of an individual’s choice. Vocational training in Germany is guided not only by the needs of the labour market, but also by the need for individuals to acquire skills, knowledge and capabilities that allow them to successfully prove themselves on the labour market. Germany has a well-developed and institutionalised VET research capacity, including the Federal Institute for VET, (BIBB), and a national network of research centres that study different aspects of the system to support continuous innovation and improvement in the VET system.

Global Scenario : Australia

In Australia vocational Programs are provided by public Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institutes, private colleges and a number of schools and universities. Here, the Industry and the Government work together and they shoulder the responsibility of providing vocational education, which in turn helps to provide the skilled labour required by them. At the Vocational Education and Training institutions of Australia, individuals are provided with the studies of a wide range of disciplines, including: business and management, science and technology, design and arts, communications, sport and recreation, community service and health, tourism and hospitality, engineering and building, horticulture and land management and English. Also, the students are also provided with Apprenticeships in various fields to provide them with further on-the-job training so that they can better hone their skills.