Shimla
Samagra Shiksha links classroom learning with real-world industry exposure in major institutions and companies
Shimla: In a major push towards skill-based education and employability, the Himachal Pradesh government under Samagra Shiksha has launched an extensive industry-linked vocational training programme for school students, sending 4,416 students for on-the-job training in reputed institutions, industries and corporate groups outside the state.
The initiative is being seen as one of the largest practical exposure programmes for government school vocational students in Himachal Pradesh, aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements.
Officials said students enrolled in various vocational trades in government schools are being provided hands-on exposure in sectors including healthcare, tourism, IT, telecom, agriculture, banking, retail, automotive, apparel and electronics.
Samagra Shiksha Director Rajesh Sharma said the programme is designed to ensure that students are not restricted to theoretical learning alone but gain exposure to real workplace culture, modern technologies and industrial functioning.
“Students are getting an opportunity to understand practical work environments and acquire employment-oriented skills that can improve their future career prospects,” Sharma said.
Healthcare sector sees highest participation
The healthcare sector has emerged as the biggest component of the programme, with 922 students currently undergoing training at the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh.
Rajesh Sharma thanked PGI Director Prof. Vivek Lal, Deputy Director Pankaj Rai (IAS) and Associate Professor Dr Rajeev Chauhan for extending support to the vocational training initiative.
Apart from healthcare, the training programme covers:
713 students in IT-ITeS
672 in tourism and hospitality
435 in telecom
391 in agriculture
326 in retail
215 in automotive
183 in private security
126 in BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance)
109 in plumbing
92 in apparel
79 in beauty and wellness
78 in electronics
40 in physical education
35 in food processing
Students placed in leading companies
Students have been attached with prominent institutions and companies according to their trades.
Agriculture students are receiving exposure at Pioneer Agritech, while retail students are training at Adani Cements, Metro (RIL) and Elante Mall. Automotive students are undergoing practical learning at TVS, Indo Farm and Sandhar Technologies.
Tourism and hospitality students are being trained at Orchid Hotels, while IT-ITeS students are gaining industry exposure through Hopping Minds and Infutrix.
Plumbing students are training at Regal Synthetic, apparel students at Sara Textiles and BFSI students at IndusInd Bank.
Electronics students are attached with Ellin Electronics, food processing students with Regal Kitchen, beauty and wellness students with The Fashion Habib, and private security students with Hawks Security.
Similarly, physical education students are receiving training at Morni Camps, telecom students at BSNL and Jio, while healthcare students are training at PGI Chandigarh.
Most of these institutions are located in Chandigarh and nearby industrial hubs, allowing students to experience professional work culture and operational systems firsthand.
PGI training exposing students to real hospital systems
Under the healthcare training module at PGI Chandigarh, students are being introduced to the functioning of medical and hospital management systems.
The programme includes practical exposure to patient registration, OPD services, hospital workflow management and administrative systems.
Officials said 233 students from Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Una districts underwent training from May 11 to 13. Another 234 students from Kangra and Chamba are attending sessions from May 13 to 15.
Similarly, 252 students from Shimla, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu will be trained from May 15 to 17, while 203 students from Solan and Mandi districts will attend training from May 17 to 19.
Education officials believe the initiative will significantly strengthen vocational education in government schools and help students become industry-ready at an early stage.
