Had the privilege of addressing the Principals and Academic Coordinators of autonomous colleges at Savitribai Phule Pune University on 12th October 2026, during the State-Level Workshop on Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP), On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Internship Opportunities.
Organised by the Task Force for NEP 2020 Implementation, Maharashtra, the workshop provided a valuable platform to explore how higher education institutions can strengthen students’ employability through meaningful industry engagement.
Drawing upon my industry experience, I highlighted the importance of:
🔹 Integrating apprenticeships, internships and OJT into academic programmes.
🔹 Aligning curriculum and practical training with evolving industry workforce requirements.
🔹 Building sustainable partnerships between academia and industry.
🔹 Developing technical competencies, workplace behaviour and the right attitude among students.
🔹 Creating structured pathways from Campus to Career through NEP 2020 initiatives.
I firmly believe that education must go beyond degrees to develop employable, skilled and industry-ready youth.Effective collaboration among universities, colleges, industries and skill development organisations is essential to reduce the education–employability gap.
My sincere gratitude to Prof. N. R. Karmalkar and the Task Force for NEP 2020 Implementation, Maharashtra, for the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative. I also appreciate the enthusiastic participation of the Principals and Academic Coordinators.
Through Resonance Entrepreneurship & Employability Solutions, we look forward to strengthening academia–industry partnerships and creating more opportunities for students through AEDP, OJT, apprenticeships and internships.
Let us work together to transform education into employability and empower our youth to contribute to a skilled, productive and Viksit Bharat.