School vocational courses cover 2,300 students in district
As many as 2,300 students in 31 government schools in the district are undergoing vocational training in 10 trades, with authorities strengthening the programme to improve skills and employability.
Though introduced in 2016, the focus is now on structured training, industry exposure, and hands-on learning. A total of 48 instructors train students in Electrical and Electronics, Computer Education, Apparel and Textiles, Automobile, Agriculture, Banking and Finance, Health Care, Food Processing, Retail, and Beauty and Wellness.
Students attend theory classes three days a week and practical sessions for three days. Internships and industrial visits are held during holidays. Officials said computer-related trades draw the most interest.
The programme is implemented in high schools, higher secondary schools, and KGBVs. Students from Classes 6 to 8 learn basic concepts, while those from Class 9 to Intermediate receive theory and practical training.
Training is divided into four levels: Level 1 in Class 9, Level 2 in Class 10, Level 3 in the Intermediate first year, and Level 4 in the second year. About 60% of schools offer one trade, 30% offer two, and 10% offer three. Training kits have been provided.
Students from Pendurthi, Gopalapatnam, and Gajuwaka high schools showcased products at mandal- and district-level exhibitions and advanced to the State level.
Students of Gopalapatnam ZP High School won first prize in the Apparel trade at the State level and received Rs 25,000. In Banking and Finance, students of Pendurthi ZP High School developed a model for ATM cash withdrawal using facial and voice recognition, winning second prize. Instructor Satish Kumar said it could help prevent online fraud.
Students of the same school also designed a smart electrical food vehicle to deliver midday meals to classrooms during the rainy season, said instructor P. Mahesh.
District Coordinator Sudhakar said vocational courses are developing creativity and preparing students for employment and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Chandrasekhar, Additional Project Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha, said the courses support higher education and innovation. Exams will be held in April and certificates issued. District students also won prizes at recent State-level competitions in Vijayawada, and preparations are on for national-level events.