December 2021
New international partnership opens up skills and development opportunities for students in India
By Melanie Hall
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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.
"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"
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.”
Professor Michael Harkin, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, meets with Ms Sonal Mishra, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Rural Development Department, Government of Gujarat, and His Excellency Dr Shashank Vikram, Consul General of India, at the Consulate General of India in Birmingham
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.”
Consul General on campus
University College Birmingham has a long and well-established relationship with India, with students from the country making up a significant proportion of a wider international student community from 57 countries.
His Excellency Dr Shashank Vikram, Consul General of India, recently visited University College Birmingham to see the new nursing and physiotherapy facilities, which include a hospital ward and clinical skills and simulation suite, and digital creative and finance and accounting suites.
He also had the opportunity to see the huge investment in the University's sporting facilities, which will be used by Team Scotland at next year's Commonwealth Games in the city.
In pictures: Consul General of India visits Moss House
These subject areas build on the University's internationally-renowned undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in hospitality, culinary arts, tourism, aviation and airport management, business enterprise and creative services.
Supporting the community, the University also sponsored this year’s Diwali on the Screen event organised by the Consul General and the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street.
Courses are now open to prospective students from India for January and September 2022 entry. You can view the full list of courses here.
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