On Tuesday, the Government of Karnataka and the British Council launched four new skilling programmes to enhance higher education and employability in the state.
This initiative follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) on February 26, 2024. The new programmes include the Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Talent (SCOUT) programme, English Skills for Youth, Capacity Building Training for International Officers, and the inauguration of a Freemium Digital Library Wall at Bengaluru City University.
The SCOUT programme, part of the GREAT initiative, will select 30 students from six universities across Karnataka, including Bangalore University and Gulbarga University. Accompanied by one faculty member and two KSHEC officials, these students will participate in a two-week immersive learning experience at the University of East London from November 9 to 22, 2024. The programme aims to provide students from underprivileged backgrounds with international exposure and to enhance their academic, research, and innovation skills. Key themes will include Sustainable Development Goals, Critical Thinking, Entrepreneurship, and Personality Development.
The English Skills for Youth initiative, a collaboration between the British Council and Microsoft India, targets 5,795 students in 16 Government Engineering Colleges. It offers 40 hours of self-paced coursework through the Microsoft Learning Management System, supplemented by 30 hours of in-person or blended English Practice Club sessions, focusing on improving communication skills among young adults aged 18-25.
Additionally, the Capacity Building Training for International Officers will involve 28 universities and over 56 participants. This workshop aims to enhance the skills of international officers and support the internationalisation efforts of Indian universities through knowledge sharing and practical outcomes.
The newly inaugurated Freemium Digital Library Wall at Bengaluru City University will provide faculty and students with access to a range of digital content, further supporting academic resources and research capabilities.