Access, Retention and Vocational Education

Introduction

Access, Retention & Vocational Education Branch is looking after overall activities related to implementation of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 & Vocational Education Program.

It mainly focuses on following activities:

Structure (State/District/Block level)

Functions

• Administration and Compliance for Access, Retention & Vocational Education Initiatives
• Coordination and monitoring
• IEC and Capacity building
• Convergence with concerned departments
• Documentation and data management

Vocational Education

Bringing Practical Skills to Education

Vocational education is all about learning skills that prepare students for real jobs. Instead of just studying theories, students get hands-on training in different fields. In Gujarat, the government has taken major steps to include vocational training in schools, ensuring that students are ready for the workplace by the time they finish their education.

What is Vocational Education?

Vocational education focuses on practical training in specific industries, helping students develop skills that make them job-ready. Unlike traditional education, which mainly emphasizes academic subjects, vocational courses teach students how to work in industries like healthcare, IT, beauty, and many more.

Why is Vocational Education Important?

• Helps students gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge.
• Increases employment opportunities by teaching industry-specific skills.
• Makes learning more engaging and relevant to real-life jobs.
• Encourages students to explore careers in different fields at an early stage.

Vocational Education in Gujarat

Gujarat has been expanding vocational education across schools, ensuring more students benefit from skill-based learning. Many schools now offer vocational courses in multiple sectors, helping students choose the right career path based on their interests.

Courses and Job Roles

Gujarat offers vocational courses in 16 different sectors, providing students with diverse career opportunities. These sectors include:

Sr No	Sector	09-10th Job Role	11-12th Job Role
1	Automotive	Four-Wheeler Service Assistant	Four-Wheeler Service Technician
2	Beauty & Wellness	Assistant beauty Therapist	Beauty Therapist
3	AGRICULTURE	SOLANACEOUS CROP CULTIVATOR	Floriculturist
4	APPAREL & MADE UPS & HOME FURNISHING	Sewing machine operator	Specialized Sewing Machine Operator
5	RETAIL	STORE OPERATION ASSISTANT	Sales Associate
6	Electronics & Hardware	Junior Field Technician Home Appliances	Installation Technician – Computing and Peripherals
7	Tourism and Hospitality	Food and Beverage Service Trainee	Customer Service Executive (Meet and Greet)
8	Healthcare	Home Health Aide- Trainee	General Duty Assistant- Trainee
9	Banking, Financial Services and Insurance	Microfinace Executive	Business Correspondent and Business Facilitator
10	Food processing	Baking Technician	Craft Baker
11	IT/ITeS	Domestic Data Entry Operator	Biometric Data Operator
12	Plumbing	Assistant Plumber General	Plumber General
13	Sports, Physical Education, Fitness & Leisure	Early Years Physical Activity Facilitator	Physical Education Assistant
14	Power	Consumer Energy Meter Technician	Lineman Distribution
15	Construction	Assistant Mason	General Mason
16	Logistics	Warehouse Associate	Warehouse Claims Coordinator

 

Hands-On Training in Schools

To support practical learning, vocational schools in Gujarat are equipped with specialized training labs. These labs provide real-world work experience so that students can practice their skills before entering the job market. The government ensures that schools receive quality equipment for these labs.

Internship and Industry Exposure

One of the best aspects of vocational education in Gujarat is the internship program. Students get the opportunity to work in real companies, gaining experience before they graduate. They also receive a small stipend to support their learning. This program helps students understand the work environment and build confidence in their skills.

Encouraging Skill Competitions

To motivate students, Gujarat organizes Kaushalotsav, a skill competition where students showcase their talents. Thousands of students participate in these competitions, presenting innovative projects in areas like technology, agriculture, and beauty services. The best projects receive recognition and rewards.

Monitoring and Evaluation Through Technology

To ensure vocational education is effective, Gujarat has developed Lighthouse, a digital platform that monitors student progress. This system tracks attendance, course completion, internships, and assessments, making sure that students are benefiting from the program.

Vocational Education for Special Needs Students

Gujarat is also making vocational education accessible for students with disabilities. Special training programs are designed to help these students gain skills in areas such as tailoring, agriculture, and healthcare, ensuring that they have equal opportunities for employment.

Career Guidance for Students

To help students make informed career choices, the government provides career guidance materials in schools. These include career cards, comic books, and digital resources that explain different job opportunities. Schools also receive employment newsletters to keep students updated about job trends.

Learning Through Digital Platforms

To support learning beyond the classroom, Gujarat has launched a Vocational Education YouTube Channel. This platform features educational videos that help students learn at their own pace. Thousands of students have already benefited from these videos.

🔗 Visit the YouTube Channel

🔗 https://diksha.gov.in/getapp/

Vocational education in Gujarat is transforming the way students prepare for their future careers. By integrating skill-based training with regular schooling, students not only gain knowledge but also develop hands-on expertise. With well-equipped schools, internship opportunities, and digital learning resources, vocational education is helping students build a strong foundation for a successful future.