Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 15: To equip educators with the skills and knowledge required to effectively implement vocational education in secondary schools, with a special emphasis on IT, Healthcare, Tourism & Hospitality, and Physical Education & Sports. The Department of Art Education and Vocational Education of Jammu and Kashmir State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Divisional Office Jammu, successfully organised 03 Day Capacity Building Programme for teachers/masters on Vocationalization of Education at Secondary Stage (Phase II IT/HealthCare/Tourism & Hospitality/Physical Education & Sports) w.e.f. 13th to 15th Feb. 2025, under the mentorship of Prof. (Dr.) Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, SCERT, Jammu Division.
The program was part of the broader initiative under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the integration of vocational education into mainstream schooling to prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce. The event witnessed 50 enthusiastic participations from teachers and masters across the Jammu division, who engaged in interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and discussions aimed at enhancing their pedagogical and vocational training skills.
The program was formally inaugurated by Associate Prof. Shailesh Kumari, Head, IQAC in presence of Sultana Kousar, Head, Academic Unit-I by lightening of ceremonial lamp, along with Academic Unit Heads, Coordinator and the participants.
The program commenced with an inspiring keynote address by Yogesh Kumar, Academic Officer who highlighted the importance of vocational education in fostering a skilled and self-reliant workforce.
The three-day program featured a series of sessions led by expert resource persons, Dr Shweta Bhagat, Assistant Professor, GMC Kathua, Tapas Tandon, Teaching Assistant, University of Jammu, Vaibhav Sharma, Director, Travelersdost (OPC) Pvt. Ltd. Jammu and Jeewan Singh, Manu Vasudeva, Pooja Sharma, Manisha Chun, Lakshmi Puri and Rakesh Kumar Chobber, Academic Officers, SCERT Jammu focusing on key aspects of vocational education, including Reimagining Vocational Education as per NEP 2020, Innovative Pedagogical Strategies, Assessment & Evaluation, ICT and Green Skills, communication, self management and entrepreneurship skills, Tourism & Hospitality. The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and sustainability concepts into vocational education was emphasized to prepare students for a technology-driven and environmentally conscious future. The program also provided a platform for educators to share their experiences, challenges, and best practices in implementing vocational education at the secondary stage.
The program culminated with a formal valedictory function, presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, SCERT Jammu. In her closing remarks, she emphasized the transformative potential of vocational education in empowering students with practical skills, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial abilities. He urged the participants to implement the learnings from the program in their respective schools and contribute to the realization of NEP 2020's vision of a skilled and future-ready India.
The workshop was seamlessly executed by the support of team members including Pooja Sharma, Sabah Rasheed, Shamim Nazki, Ashok Kumar, Amit Sharma, Navneet Gupta, Farhat John, Rukhsana Kousar, Dr Seema Zakir and Madhu Sharma. A formal vote of thanks was presented by Yogesh Kumar, Coordinator of the programme. Certificates of participation were awarded to the attendees at the end. |
