According to the Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, 65% of India’s fast growing population is under the age of 35 and many of them lack the skills required in a modern economy. The Indian government is taking active measures to address this skill gap in employees and work-integrated learning programs is a great way to go about it. Various steps taken to address the skill gap has made the employable rate better. This blog mentions the role of work-integrated learning in future workforce development in detail. 

What is Work-Integrated Learning?

Work-integrated learning can be achieved by candidates by enrolling in work-integrated degree programs that focus on combining theoretical academic knowledge with practical skills and hands-on experience. The curriculum is especially designed to include more skill components over theoretical knowledge. These programs impart learning through hands-on experience, on-the-job training, apprenticeship and real world experiences. Work-integrated programs are usually offered by skills-based universities. 

Benefits of Work-Integrated Degree programs to the students -

• Higher Education Credentials - Students will be eligible for Diploma, UG or PG programs from UGC recognized universities. The credit system is also flexible which  helps accumulate and transfer academic credits. This is also applicable to working professionals who want to upskill themselves for better opportunities in their domain. 
• Learn and Earn - Monthly stipend provided to the students gives financial independence to them which enables them to gain practical learning while still being able to support their financial expenses.
• Degree with Work Experience - Students earn a degree along with hands-on experience in industry settings which enables them to enter the workforce with both practical and theoretical knowledge.
• Career Growth Prospects - Students having work experience along with skill-based higher education enables them to experience better salary opportunities and better career prospects in the future.
• Flexible Learning & Joint Certification - Flexible learning with programs available in Face-to-Face, Online, On-site, and On-the-Job learning modes makes it easier for students to adjust in their routine.

Benefits of apprenticeship-embedded degree program to the employers -

• No Employer - Employee or Direct Relationship with Trainees - Employees under this program will not be under any employment contract or labour contract hence laws pertaining to labour or employment are not applicable. 
• Exemption under CSR - Money spent for the stipend of the trainees can be considered and shown under CSR. Contributing to nation building by workforce development through education and skilled manpower.
• Workforce Continuity & Productivity - It ensures retention of employees because unlike contractual workers, apprenticeship-based degree programs student/trainees continue for 2-3 years. It also increases the productivity of the employees because they undergo training.
• Cost Cutting and Ease of Recruitment - The employers do not have to pay PF or ESI to the employees because they are trainees under apprenticeship-based degree programs which helps in cost cutting. Also the perk of higher education lures candidates in and makes recruitment easier.
• Control over Absenteeism and Attrition - Since the candidates get the benefit of pursuing higher education, upskilling, and career progression, the employees become grateful towards the organization and more devoted.
• Flexibility to Customize the Curriculum - Employers may embed existing training curriculum and content/learning management systems along with the university curriculum.

What is WISE (Work-Integrated Skill-based Higher Education)?

WISE (Work-Integrated Skill-based Higher Education) is an initiative of Medhavi Skills University that offers work-integrated learning, application and practical-based programs to the candidates which makes them employable. These programs are backed by on-the-job training and apprenticeships which gives the candidates real-world experiences along with the benefit of earning stipend. They offer the best work-integrated learning programs.

Why choose MSU for work integrated learning programs?

• Curriculum Customised to Suit Skill Competency Needs of Industry Partners - The curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry experts to meet industry specific skill requirements.
• GoI recognized Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates - The programs are in line with NEP 2020 and NCrF. Certificates from NSDC/UGC/SSCs/Industry also provide great skill certifications for employees.
• Flexible Blended Learning Models and Examinations - Accessible, online, self-paced, and practical learning and exams make it convenient for learners to align academics with daily work schedules.
• Embedding Work-Integrated Programmes to Reduce Attrition - Combines academic learning with hands-on apprenticeships which improves job satisfaction and lowers attrition by aligning the skills acquired with industry standards.
• Increased Productivity with Relevant Skill Training - Candidates have better productivity with relevant skill training from the very start which makes tracking of performance easier with practical and theoretical examinations.

Work-integrated learning is really helpful for both the employers and the students. They ensure that the candidates are able to upskill while gaining real work life exposure and for employers, it ensures that their employees gain relevant skills while they get good benefits and reductions. The work-integrated learning programs offered by Medhavi Skills University’s WISE initiative are just the perfect fit for someone willing to upskill with work experience and also for someone wanting to upskill their workforce while the organization benefits from it. 

Our Real Impact 

Medhavi Skills University (MSU) partnered with AEQUS Pvt. Ltd. and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to launch India’s first UGC-approved skill-based, apprenticeship-embedded degree programs (B.Voc/M.Voc) in aerospace manufacturing. This innovative collaboration established a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence (CoE) at Aequs SEZ in Belgaum, Karnataka, dedicated to skill training for Industry 4.0 and 5.0 demands.

Under the WISE initiative, students benefit from MSU’s rigorous academics combined with real-world training at advanced facilities of AEQUS. Aligned with NEP 2020’s National Credit Framework, the program enables students to gain valuable industry skills, with over 100 students currently enrolled. This partnership serves as a model for integrating education with practical skills, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in the aerospace sector.

This case study is a testament to how skill-based, work-integrated education can transform careers and industries, paving the way for a future where learning and working go hand in hand. 

Discover how Medhavi Skills University’s WISE programs can help you or your organization bridge the gap between education and industry needs.

Explore opportunities for skill-based, work-integrated learning today!

Explore now