UGC’s Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme: Guidelines, Benefits And More

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has called for suggestions and feedback on its draft guidelines for the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) from the stakeholders. The initiative aims to enable students enrolled in undergraduate (UG) programmes at higher educational institutions to participate in apprenticeship training as part of their degree requirements, as stated in the guidelines.

UGC posted on Twitter and issued a notice on the official website urging the stakeholders to submit their feedback via Google form within 30 days from the publication date. The UGC aims to enhance the employability of undergraduate students through this programme.

Click here to check the notice of the UGC draft guidelines for the AEDP.

https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/0100241_Public-Notice-Apprenticeship-Embedded-Degree-Programme-(AEDP).pdf

What is UGC’s Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme?

This programme allows students enrolled in an undergraduate course at a Higher Educational Institution (HEI), recognized under the UGC Act of 1956, to engage in apprenticeship training as part of their degree curriculum, in accordance with these guidelines. The HEIs will implement the AEDP for the upcoming academic session.The initiative aims to boost the employability of students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs by emphasizing outcome-based learning to help them achieve key graduate attributes and proficiency levels. The objective is to foster stronger partnerships between higher educational institutions and industries, promoting active collaboration. Additionally, the programme is designed to address industry skill gaps by collaborating with educational institutions and the Boards of Apprenticeship and Practical Training (BOATs/BOPTs).

AEDP programme guidelines for HEIs

The UGC has issued comprehensive guidelines for HEIs to incorporate the AEDP programmes in their curriculum. Take a look at some of the important ones here:

Compliance with Guidelines: HEIs must offer AEDP for the academic session in line with the established guidelines.

On-the-Job Training (OJT): Students will complete apprenticeship/OJT in their designated discipline or trade at the workplace.

Formal Agreements: HEIs must have formal agreements with industry partners for OJT placements. Separate agreements are required if multiple establishments are involved.

Apprenticeship Capacity: The number of apprenticeship seats should be based on the available infrastructure and agreements with industries.

Program Nomenclature: AEDP will not require a separate programme title, but transcripts must mention the credits earned and the industry/establishment where the training took place.

Conversion of Existing Programs: HEIs can convert existing programs into AEDP, with the same admission norms as regular undergraduate programs.

Multiple Entry-Exit: The program must support a Multiple Entry-Multiple Exit system, following the National Credit Framework (NCrF).

Work-Based Learning: Apprenticeship training will occur in the industry, not within the university, providing practical, work-based learning in the student's discipline.

Scheduling Flexibility: HEIs have the flexibility to schedule apprenticeships, but training cannot occur in the first semester and must take place in the final semester.

Continuous or Interval-Based Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship periods can be continuous or intermittent, but each must last for at least one full semester.

Defined Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes for both academic and apprenticeship components must be defined, and the curriculum must be approved by statutory authorities in consultation with industry partners.

Alignment with National Frameworks: The curriculum must align with either the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF) or National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Apprenticeship Domain: The apprenticeship must be in the same domain as the student’s degree program.

Assessment Strategy: HEIs must have an appropriate assessment plan to evaluate apprenticeship learning outcomes in line with NHEQF or NSQF standards.

No Simultaneous Contracts: Apprentices are prohibited from signing simultaneous apprenticeship contracts with multiple industries or establishments.

Duration of UGC’s Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes

The AEDP has provisions for varying durations of apprenticeship training within undergraduate programmes. For a 3-year UG programme, apprenticeships can be embedded for a minimum of 1 semester and a maximum of 3 semesters. In a 4-year UG programme, the permissible range is from 2 to 4 semesters. It is important to note that the total duration of the academic programme remains unchanged, and the apprenticeship must span at least one full semester.

Decoded: Credits Mechanism of UGC’s AEDP

As per the National Credit Framework (NCrF), 30 hours of training will equate to 1 credit. This means a one-year apprenticeship, involving 1,200 hours of learning, will correspond to 40 credits. Likewise, a six-month apprenticeship, equivalent to 600 hours, will account for 20 credits. The credit allocation for apprenticeship-embedded qualifications will depend on the assessment of the apprentice’s skills based on predefined learning outcomes. While actual hours spent in the industry will follow the Apprenticeship Rules, the credit calculation will adhere to the 30-hours-per-credit mechanism outlined in the framework.

UGC’s AEDP: How will it benefit students?

The University Grants Commission's (UGC) Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) offers numerous advantages to students pursuing undergraduate education, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Here are some key advantages of this initiative.

Enhanced Employability: The primary objective of the AEDP is to enhance students’ job readiness. By integrating apprenticeships into their academic curriculum, students are exposed to industry-specific skills early in their education.

Outcome-Based Learning: AEDP focusses on outcome-based learning, where students achieve specific skills and proficiencies that employers seek.

Industry Collaboration: One of the programme’s cornerstones is fostering stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industries. Through apprenticeships, students can directly engage with potential employers, building networks and gaining valuable industry insights.

Addressing Skill Gaps: The AEDP aims to bridge the skill gap prevalent in various industries. By working in real-world settings, students gain skills that are often missing from traditional academic curriculums.

Holistic Learning Experience: By integrating academic and vocational training, students experience a more well-rounded education. The combination of classroom instruction with hands-on apprenticeship training provides a holistic learning experience.