Anna University has launched two undergraduate vocational courses: a B. Voc in Logistics Management and a B. Voc in Footwear Manufacturing. The three-year courses are being offered in association with the faculty and industry experts from the respective industry sectors. Candidates who have graduated from Class XII from either academic or vocational streams can apply.
University Vice-Chancellor R. Velraj said while logistic management is offered at the University College of Engineering in Kancheepuram, footwear manufacturing will be offered at the University College of Engineering in Arni. The university hopes that students from the local region will apply for the course. “The courses are offered in these colleges as the industry in and around Sriperumbudur is looking for candidates with a specialization in logistics. Arni was chosen for footwear manufacturing as the leather industry is well developed in the region, and we believe that youngsters in and around the place would be interested in it”, he explained.
“So far only five or six students have applied. There is greater demand for logistics post-COVID. The students will go to the industry for six months and then come back to the campus for theory”, he said. Unlike BE, which requires students to be good in mathematics, B.Voc courses put more emphasis on hands-on training. Each course offers 40 seats, and the fee structure is similar to the engineering degree courses. Candidates may switch from the BE degree course to the B Voc program, and the fee will be adjusted, Mr. Velraj said.
Similarly, a 4-year BE training integrated program has been launched in association with a company. Candidates with a diploma from any of the related engineering branches, such as EEE, ECE, EI, EE, CSE, IT, or ME, are eligible to apply. The selected candidates will undergo internships and training in the company during their study period. A total of 60 seats are available. The course will be conducted at the University College in Kancheepuram. The last date to apply for the courses is October 31.
Anna University has also proposed to launch three-year courses for working professionals. The colleges will offer flexible timetables. At least 23 colleges have sought the university’s permission, and though the institution is ready to give a no objection certificate to the colleges, the university is awaiting a nod from the higher education department to prescribe policy for the same, Mr. Velraj explained. The courses are as per the All India Council for Technical Education norms, the V-C said.
