Non-academic vocational courses to be introduced in 67 higher secondary schools

During the first phase, the course will be introduced in 67 schools across the state, including four institutions in Chennai, as a pilot project at a cost of Rs 3.55 crore. The scheme will be extended to other schools by next year.

A curriculum has been developed by National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) in this regard and will be translated in Tamil for course material.

The vocational subjects will be optional, and the period will be accommodated within the weekly schedule, said School Education Department principal secretary Pradeep Yadav.

Linkages between the vocational education schools and the industries will be set up by arranging guest lectures, exposure, internship training, apprenticeship and employment opportunities.

The Directorate of Government Examination will be instructed to arrange for the conduct of examination for the vocational subjects, in coordination with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Sector Skill Council (SSC) concerned.

A separate marksheet will be issued to the students by the Directorate of Government Examination and a course completion certificate will also be issued to the students jointly by the NSDC and the SSC.

The vocational stream at Classes 11 and 12 will continue to exist in the same manner without any change and it will be further enhanced to make students employable. However, as this scheme involves agencies approved by the NSDC and the SSC, there will be no creation of posts.

The project will be extended to other schools on approval of the Ministry of Resources Development subjected to availability of funds, the principal secretary said.