Thiruvananthapuram: The government has decided to set up skill centres in all the colleges of the state as vocational studies are now a part of the four-year-degree programmes. Short-term courses to promote skill development will also be introduced. These centres will ensure that students acquire the necessary skills for career development.

The government has decided to implement this in collaboration with skill agencies like ASAP and Keltron. As per UGC guidelines, higher education institutions can open skill centres based on MoUs with various agencies.

A team comprising industry experts will prepare the curriculum for this. Short-term skill development courses are also approved by academic councils of various universities. Credit earned through these courses will be deposited into the student’s academic credit bank and certificates will be accordingly issued.

After three years of study, students will take up career-oriented courses in the fourth year. The government is also thinking of ensuring services of empaneled agencies to ensure skill training.