University College Birmingham (UCB) has committed to the upskilling and development of students in India through a new partnership with one of the country’s largest states. 

The University has signed an agreement with Vibrant Gujarat to explore progression opportunities that will help meet India’s skills agenda and the National Skill Development Corporation’s vision of an ‘employment-ready’ young India. 

As part of the framework, University College Birmingham will act as a consultant in skills development for Gujarat’s vocational colleges and universities across a range of subject areas, as well as promoting co-operation in teaching and research. 

The collaboration will also seek to upgrade skills to international standards through significant industry involvement and establish new frameworks for standards, curriculum and quality assurance. 

Professor Michael Harkin, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at University College Birmingham, said: “Gujarat has a population of over 60 million and its students are key to India’s overall growth story.  

“The skills agenda requires development opportunities that meet the demands of industry, and with our vocational emphasis and strength in business management, we can contribute to a world-class programme to upskill India’s workforce sector-wide.” 

Commenting on the signing of the agreement, His Excellency Dr Shashank Vikram, Consul General of India, said: “The MOU between University College Birmingham and Vibrant Gujarat would certainly be contributing towards the greater collaboration in the field of skill development and vocational education between the two parties.

“As we have a very large young and dynamic population in India, skill development remains the highest priority of the Government of India and University College Birmingham is one of the quality institutions in the UK which has been very active in this field, and would be a good partner for Vibrant Gujarat as they go forward in the journey of skill development and vocational education.

“I also feel that it will pave the way for further, deeper co-operation between the two entities.”