APSCHE plans apprenticeship-linked degree programmes to boost employability

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has initiated discussions with universities and industry bodies to introduce apprenticeship-embedded degree programmes aimed at improving graduate employability and aligning higher education with industry requirements.At an interface meeting held in Mangalagiri on Friday, APSCHE chairman K Madhu Murthy said conventional degrees alone were no longer sufficient in an increasingly competitive job market and stressed the need for work-based learning opportunities within undergraduate programmes.He said the state government was focusing on attracting investments and industrial growth, making it essential for higher education institutions to produce graduates equipped with industry-relevant skills.

Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Murthy highlighted the importance of outcome-based education, vocational learning and stronger industry-academia collaboration.The meeting brought together representatives of 12 Sector Skill Councils, including those from aviation, agriculture, banking, healthcare, retail, logistics and information technology sectors, along with deans of academic affairs from 11 affiliating universities.

APSCHE officials presented a framework for implementing Apprenticeship-Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDPs) within the undergraduate curriculum. Discussions focused on curriculum alignment, credit mapping, industry participation, workplace learning assessment and apprenticeship opportunities for students.Vice-chairperson K Ratna Sheila Mani emphasised the importance of integrating skill development, employability and experiential learning into academic programmes. APSCHE secretary B Tirupati Rao and vice-chairman S Vijaya Bhaskar Rao also participated.Officials said the proposed model aims to make undergraduate education more practical, employment-oriented and responsive to evolving industry needs while maintaining academic standards.