Edu Dept to offer 4 vocational courses

In a unique initiative, the Punjab Government is set to introduce four new vocational courses for the students of Class XI and XII from the next academic session.

At least 40 schools across the state have been identified where four subjects — beauty and wellness, healthcare, financial services & insurance and digital marketing — would be taught as part of the school curriculum.

Director General of School Education Vinay Bublani said 160 students would be enrolled per school. Every year, 6,400 skilled students would roll out from these institutes. Two subjects would be taught in each school, he said.

Officials said the nationally integrated education and competency-based framework aligned courses would make the students job ready. “We have already tied up with private industry to run these courses and give exposure to the students at early stage of their lives,” said the officials. At present, the students get enrolled at ITIs for vocational courses.