NEP 2020 – The Game Changer for Indo-German Collaboration: Session 2 – A Report

iMOVE Germany, in collaboration with National Skills Network (NSN), organized a webinar series titled ‘NEP 2020 – The Game Changer for Indo-German Collaboration.’ The second session from the series, “Indo-German Collaboration Opportunities,” was held on 1st October 2024.

This webinar series aimed to bring together institutions and organizations from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and skill education sectors in India and Germany. The objective was to stimulate fresh collaboration ideas and harness the potential of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) to foster innovative and mutually beneficial partnerships between the two nations.

Watch the below recorded webinar for the second session on our YouTube channel:

Highlights of the session 2: Indo-German Collaboration Opportunities

The eminent panelists for the second session were,

• Mr. KVL Narasimham, Project Manager, IGGSP, GIZ
• Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder-Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University
• Mr. Harish Nachnani, Head – Didactic, Festo India

The session was moderated by,

• Mr. Karthikeyan Arunachalam, Head of iMOVE India
• Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder-Director of National Skills Network (NSN)

Key points from the panel discussion focused on the following

• Focus on potential cooperation with German institutions for Green Skills, including curriculum development and Training the Trainers (capacity building).
• Opportunities for aligning German qualifications with NEP 2020, NCrF and fostering sustainable, mutually beneficial industry collaborations in higher education.
• Long-standing collaboration with Indian technical institutions, providing high-quality German training infrastructure and support systems for positive outcomes.

Collaboration with German Institutions for Green Skills

Mr. KVL Narasimham discussed the Indo-German Green Skills Program (IGGSP), which aims to develop green skills in India through collaboration with Germany. “India is witnessing a growing demand for green skills, and sectors like electric vehicles (EV) and photovoltaics (PV) are emerging as key areas to focus on for sustainable development.”

IGGSP opens avenues for collaboration with German institutions, focusing on curriculum development and capacity building for trainers. Germany, known for its dual vocational training system and expertise in green technologies, offers valuable insights that can significantly impact India’s approach to sustainable education. Potential cooperation includes developing advanced curriculum tailored to emerging green occupations and upskilling trainers to deliver these programs effectively. By enhancing the training ecosystem, the IGGSP aims to create a skilled workforce ready to meet India’s green growth ambitions, while fostering gender equality and inclusion in the process.

Aligning NEP 2020 and NCrF with Global Standards

Mr. Pravesh Dudani, spoke about the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its implications for aligning Indian qualifications with international standards, particularly focusing on collaboration with Germany. Mr. Pravesh Dudani emphasized that the NEP 2020 was launched to address the  employability issues within the Indian education system. He stated how National Credit Framework (NCrF) introduces much-needed flexibility in the education sector, placing the responsibility on educational institutions to develop curriculum that are relevant to industry needs. Mr. Pravesh Dudani highlighted that the framework allows students to earn academic credits through on-the-job training, including international work opportunities. He noted, “Through the new national credit framework, we can design a world-class curriculum that not only prepares students for national careers but also enables them for international opportunities.”

Collaboration with Germany and Opportunities in Service Sectors

Mr. Pravesh Dudani also discussed the potential of the dual model of training in Germany as a viable framework for Indian institutions. This model facilitates Indian students in earning credits from international employers, which can then be integrated into their academic qualifications back home. Mr. Pravesh Dudani stressed the importance of identifying potential industry sectors for collaboration, advocating for the creation of joint degree programs and co-created curriculum that align with global standards to ensure that students are well-equipped for the global job market.

Festo’s Impact on Technical Education in India

Mr. Harish Nachnani, emphasized the long-standing partnership between Festo and India, stating, “Festo has been supporting learning and training solutions worldwide since 1965.” He highlighted the historical roots of this collaboration, which began in the early 1950s, showcasing a commitment that spans over 75 years.

He stressed the importance of quality training, saying, “We take pride in the training content we provide and in motivating trainers to deliver effective technical training.” This commitment reflects Festo’s unique approach to education, focusing not only on equipment but also on empowering educators.

Mr. Harish Nachnani discussed the impact of their vocational programs, mentioning, “We run a two-year vocational program in Bangalore based on the German dual vocational system, demonstrating how Indian and German partners can work together.” He also pointed out that the outcomes of their initiatives are crucial, stating, “Our goal is to ensure that the training participants gain industry-oriented skills, using the same components they will encounter on the shop floor.”

Moreover, Mr. Harish Nachnani highlighted the adaptability of their training programs: “Our equipment and training modules are designed to be scalable and modular, accommodating the diverse needs of learners.” This aligns with NEP 2020, focusing on flexible and relevant training pathways for students.

Also read: NEP 2020 – The Game Changer for Indo-German Collaboration: Session 1 – A Report

Enhancing Technical and Vocational Education Through Global Collaboration

The second part of the discussion focused on how collaboration-friendly government policies and flexible training models can facilitate partnerships between German training institutions and Indian educational organizations to promote technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in innovative fields such as AI, robotics, CNC, 3D printing, welding, green energy, and sustainability.

Mr. KVL Narasimham emphasized the need for a significant transformation in the Indian education system, drawing inspiration from the German model. He highlighted the importance of engaging parents in the vocational education dialogue, as their influence is crucial in guiding students’ career choices. Additionally, he urged industries to take proactive steps by conducting awareness programs in schools to inform students about the diverse opportunities within vocational training, beyond traditional white-collar jobs. He also advocated for development organizations to increase their outreach through workshops and campaigns, aiming to enhance understanding of vocational skills and their value to the economy. Overall, he acknowledged that while aspirations are essential, substantial effort and collaboration are necessary to realize these educational reforms.

Mr. Pravesh Dudani, highlighted the urgent need to bridge the skills gap in India, driven by the country’s demographic dividend. He emphasized the importance of increasing awareness among school students about diverse vocational careers and lauded government initiatives like the vocationalization of secondary education under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). Mr. Pravesh Dudani called for a cultural shift in the perception of vocational education, promoting the idea that students can pursue varied career paths without fear of being limited to one. He noted that the evolving landscape now allows for greater mobility between vocational and academic qualifications, urging educational institutions and industries to collaborate in developing relevant programs to meet employment needs.

Mr. Harish Nachnani emphasized the long-standing separation between education and vocational training in India, advocating for a cultural shift to integrate these systems. He noted that while there has been discussion on improving skill education for years, substantial action remains lacking. Highlighting the impact of digitization and evolving industry demands, he stressed the need for effective collaboration between Indian and German institutions to enhance vocational training. Mr. Harish Nachnani called for practical implementation of strategies, including digital learning and simulation training, to engage students and transform perceptions of manufacturing careers. He underscored the importance of well-trained trainers and the necessity of adapting successful models like the German dual vocational system to the Indian context.

The panel discussion was followed by a interactive QnA where the speakers answered a few important questions from the audience.

The event was hosted by the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), iMOVE: Training – made in Germany. The second session of the webinar series emphasized the need to foster a sense of belonging within vocational education institutions in India. Panelists highlighted the importance of engaging parents and communities to encourage youth participation, suggesting a rebranding of vocational programs as technical and professional courses to attract younger students.

The discussion recognized successful German initiatives in vocational training, including collaborations that have significantly benefited India’s MSME sector. Participants expressed optimism about future partnerships focused on green skills and global employment requirements, underscoring the potential of vocational education to drive sustainable development and enhance employability for young Indians.