Industry Led Higher Education - A New Paradigm for Atma Nirbhar Bharat
USA News September 24, 2024
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedhavi Skills University (MSU) Revolutionizes India's Skilling Ecosystem with WISE InitiativeWORLDWIDE, September 24, 2024 – India, one of the world’s youngest countries with over 54% of its population under the age of 25 and more than 62% in the working-age group (15–59 years), is facing a significant shortage of well-trained, skilled workers. A report by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) highlights that only 2.3% of the Indian workforce has received formal skill training, in stark contrast to countries like the UK (68%), Germany (75%), USA (52%), and Japan (80%).
Medhavi Skills University (MSU), a skill-based higher education institution in Sikkim, is addressing this gap through its innovative Work Integrated Skills-based Higher Education (WISE) initiative. As India’s first skills university to integrate the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in an industry-led format, MSU is bridging the gap between academia and employability, making significant contributions to the Skill India Mission.
"The future of India's workforce lies in aligning education with industry needs," said Pravesh Dudani, Founder & Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University. "At MSU, our WISE initiative integrates cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence into the curriculum to create an immersive, industry-driven learning experience. By merging academic theory with real-world application, we are empowering students to thrive in today’s fast-evolving job market. This transformation aligns with Atma Nirbhar Bharat’s vision of self-reliance, employability, and innovation."The WISE Initiative: A Catalyst for Skilling India
Under the concept of "Industry As Campus," WISE offers students industry-immersive courses combining theoretical and hands-on experiential learning. Collaborations across sectors like healthcare, technology, hospitality, fashion design, and aerospace enable students to pursue certified degrees while earning a salary.
Through apprenticeships and on-the-job training, work-integrated courses enhance employability and adaptability, ensuring students are job-ready from day one.
Industry Collaborations: Bridging the Gap
An ASSOCHAM study reveals only 10% of Indian graduates are employable, with 90% lacking corporate job-ready skills. MSU addresses this disconnect by partnering with industry leaders to create UGC/NCVET-recognized certifications, degrees, and diplomas that combine academic learning with real-world applications.
Through collaborations with over 500 skill partners—including iACE, Polaris, NHQ Studios, Ahalia, B4M Entertainments, IHG, and AEQUS—MSU provides students access to practical learning environments and mentorship from industry experts. Partnerships with the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other defense forces further expand the impact of MSU’s skill development programs.
"The 'Learn and Earn' model under WISE has proven highly effective in reducing recruitment costs for industries while enhancing student productivity and job readiness," added Dudani.
Innovative Frameworks: Preparing for Industry 4.0
Work-integrated programs align education with industry needs through Apprenticeship-Embedded Degree Programs (AEDP) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). Utilizing the National Credit Framework (NCrF), students earn credits for practical experience, such as internships and apprenticeships, integrated into academic curricula.
This approach allows activities like field visits, industrial projects, and documented learning in logbooks to count toward academic credits, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.
Financial Incentives and Benefits
For industries, schemes like NAPS offer subsidies and grants for apprenticeship training, reducing costs and encouraging participation. Students benefit from stipends or wages during apprenticeships, providing financial support alongside valuable work experience.
A Holistic Approach to Skilling
In addition to technical skills, students develop soft skills, problem-solving abilities, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Paid placements and hands-on learning help graduates build professional networks and align academic learning with career readiness.
Impact of the WISE Initiative
Through the WISE initiative, MSU is addressing the employability challenges faced by Indian youth while contributing to the global economy. As per a report by The Economic Times, over 80% of students participating in work-oriented degree programs report improved employability compared to traditional graduates.
By fostering a culture of academic-industry collaboration, MSU is paving the way for a future-ready workforce equipped to thrive in an increasingly skill-based economy.
About Medhavi Skills University:
Medhavi Skills University is a pioneering skill-based higher education institution based in Sikkim, India. With innovative programs like the WISE initiative, MSU focuses on bridging the gap between academia and industry to create a workforce equipped for Industry 4.0. Through partnerships with over 500 industry leaders, MSU is committed to transforming India’s skilling ecosystem.