To bridge the gap between academia and industry, Punjab must take urgent steps to reform engineering education. The introduction of practical industrial training within engineering colleges is not just an option; it is a necessity. Below are some key areas where reforms can be made:
1. Mandatory Industry-Integrated Internships
Engineering students must undergo compulsory internships with core industry players during their academic tenure. These internships should not be mere formalities but structured programs where students actively contribute to real-world projects.
2. Collaboration with Leading Industries
The Punjab government must encourage partnerships between engineering colleges and industrial giants. Engineering institutions should work closely with firms like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro, Bosch, and Siemens to develop industry-specific training modules that prepare students for actual job roles.
3. On-Campus Incubation Centers
Colleges should house industry-driven incubation centers where students work on live projects under professional mentorship. Such initiatives can encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, making students job creators rather than mere job seekers.
4. Skill-Based Certification Courses
Beyond traditional engineering degrees, institutions should introduce short-term certification courses in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, IoT, and Cybersecurity. Such programs will enable students to upskill and meet the requirements of modern industries.
5. Implementation of a Dual Education Model
Following the German model of dual education, engineering students should split their time between academic learning and hands-on industrial training. This approach will help students gain industry exposure while they study, making them more employable upon graduation.
6. Government-Led Skill Development Programs
The Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM) should extend its focus to engineering students. By collaborating with IT companies and manufacturing hubs, PSDM can develop training modules that provide direct industry exposure.
While there is a dire need for practical industrial training in engineering colleges, it is important to acknowledge the significant steps taken by the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government in improving the technical education landscape.
1. Establishment of New Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
Recognizing the need for skilled manpower, the Punjab government has launched 19 new ITIs across the state. These institutes aim to provide hands-on training in key vocational and technical fields, ensuring that students graduate with industry-ready skills.
2. Introduction of New Courses in ITIs
The introduction of 44 new courses in ITIs is a commendable initiative that ensures students gain expertise in areas that are in high demand in today’s job market. From automation and robotics to welding and fabrication, these courses are designed to prepare students for careers in industrial sectors.
3. ‘School to Work’ Pilot Project
Under this initiative, high school students receive practical training in professional fields, ensuring that they are ready to join the workforce upon graduation. This program serves as a model that engineering colleges should emulate by integrating hands-on experience into their curriculum.
4. ‘School of Eminence’ Initiative
Aimed at revamping 118 government schools, this initiative focuses on holistic career guidance, preparing students for both professional courses and competitive exams. While this is an excellent step in the right direction, similar focused initiatives should be launched for engineering students.
A Call for Action: Urgent Implementation of Industry-Oriented Training
Despite these significant reforms in ITIs and schools, no concrete initiatives have been introduced for practical industrial training in Punjab’s engineering colleges. The Punjab government must take immediate action by implementing policies that integrate hands-on industrial training into engineering education. Some key steps that can be taken include:
- Legislation mandating industrial internships as part of the engineering curriculum.
- Creation of Engineering Skill Development Hubs in partnership with private industries.
- Funding research and development (R&D) projects to promote innovation within colleges.
- Collaboration with international universities to bring best practices in experiential learning to Punjab.
The Infosys layoffs and declining job opportunities for engineering graduates highlight the urgent need to reform Punjab’s engineering education system. While the Bhagwant Mann government has taken praiseworthy steps in revamping ITIs and high schools, a comprehensive and strategic approach is required to transform engineering colleges into industry-ready institutions.
Punjab must embrace a practical, hands-on learning approach by collaborating with industries, revamping curricula, and making industrial training a compulsory part of engineering education. Only then will Punjab’s engineering degrees regain their true value, ensuring that graduates not only find jobs but thrive in their careers.
If immediate action is not taken, Punjab risks producing thousands of unemployed engineers with degrees that hold little relevance in today’s dynamic job market. The time to act is now—before another wave of layoffs hits the industry, and before engineering degrees lose their worth entirely.
