Skill courses in all GDCs of Ladakh to improve the employability of students The Commissioner Secretary reviews the progress.

Leh, September 01: Commissioner/Secretary Higher Education Department/Technical Education Department Padma Angmo chaired a meeting with Principals of all Govt. Degree Colleges of Ladakh and Nodal Officer for Skill, Colleges, and representatives from Sector Skill Council (SSC) to review the progress of different skill courses being introduced in the Govt. colleges of Ladakh.
The Commissioner Secretary discussed in detail the appointment of trainers, procurement of equipment, and establishment of required infrastructure for the successful functioning of the trades.
Padma Angmo urged the principals to leave no stone unturned to make the mission a success so that students step out of their respective colleges fully proficient in a skill and ready to be employed, while also bridging the gap between the skill demands of the industry and skilled manpower.
She urged the nodal officers of the Sector Skill Council to ensure close monitoring of the courses as per industry standards including training of the trainers and providing continued handholding to the colleges. Further, the Commissioner Secretary highlighted the need for conducting student exchange programs between the different colleges so that the students are acquainted with the different kinds of skill courses being offered. The Commissioner Secretary commended the successful functioning of the Beauty and Wellness skill course at GDC Kargil and urged each one to work with the ambition to make this program an example for the rest of the country.
Additionally, the introduction of Employability Skills in the colleges was also discussed. Commissioner Secretary Padma Angmo informed that an MoU has been signed with Wadhwani Foundation and their expertise in the field shall prove vital for students of Ladakh.
Under the initiative, skill courses in Graphic design, Hair artist and beautician, High Altitude Trekking Guide, Jam-Jelly and Ketchup Processing, Mushroom Grower, Pickle Making Technician, Guest Service Associate, Hand Embroidery, Hand Block Printing have been introduced in Colleges in Phase I. Based on the response in Phase I, more skill courses are in the pipeline for the next academic session in Phase II.
OSD Technical Education Abeid Hussain was present during the virtual meeting.