The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has commenced discussions with universities and industry bodies to introduce apprenticeship-embedded degree programmes. This initiative aims to enhance graduate employability and align higher education with industry requirements.
Interface Meeting Highlights
During an interface meeting held in Mangalagiri on Friday, APSCHE chairman K Madhu Murthy emphasized that conventional degrees alone are no longer sufficient in the increasingly competitive job market. He stressed the need for work-based learning opportunities within undergraduate programmes.
Murthy noted that the state government is 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, he highlighted the importance of outcome-based education, vocational learning, and stronger industry-academia collaboration.
Participants and Framework
The meeting brought together representatives from 12 Sector Skill Councils, including those from aviation, agriculture, banking, healthcare, retail, logistics, and information technology sectors. Deans of academic affairs from 11 affiliating universities also participated. 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.
Emphasis on Skill Development
Vice-chairperson K Ratna Sheila Mani emphasized 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 in the meeting.
Officials stated that the proposed model aims to make undergraduate education more practical, employment-oriented, and responsive to evolving industry needs while maintaining academic standards.
