New Delhi:The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) as a significant reform aimed at bridging the gap between traditional academic degrees and the practical skills required by industries. This initiative is part of UGC's ongoing efforts to enhance employability among students and provide them with hands-on experience while pursuing their undergraduate degrees.
Objectives of the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme
The AEDP is designed to integrate practical apprenticeship opportunities within the curriculum of degree courses across disciplines. The main goal of this programme is to equip students with industry-relevant skills that complement their academic knowledge, making them more employable in a competitive job market. The UGC emphasises that the traditional model of education often lacks practical exposure, leading to a skill gap when students transition from academia to the workplace. This programme aims to address that disconnect by combining academic learning with on-the-job training.
Structure of the Programme
The UGC's guidelines for the AEDP outline a flexible, credit-based framework. It allows students to earn credits not only through classroom instructions, but also through practical work experience obtained during their apprenticeship. The programme offers a balance between theoretical learning and experiential knowledge and students can accumulate credits from both these areas.
The apprenticeship will typically be conducted with industry partners, who will offer students real-world exposure and mentorship in fields relevant to their academic specialisations. The UGC has also made provisions for internships and apprenticeships to be integrated into the structure of undergraduate degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Commerce (B Com).