Hull College set to create opportunities in India

HULL College is embarking on a new educational initiative to create innovative training and vocational opportunities in India.

The collaboration with social enterprise Drishtee, is geared towards building strong educational links between the two countries, funded by the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), as well as developing an extensive relationship.

Specialists in IT and entrepreneurship, Drishtee operates in three states in India; Assan, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It will provide staff to be trained in the delivery of vocational courses – initially in construction – at Hull College, who will return and deliver vocational subjects in these areas.

This week, Drishtree co-founder Shailesh Thakur and director and president of strategic and business development, Siddhartha Shankar, are in Hull to discuss the new initiative.

The partnership will develop programmes that meet the priorities and needs of the Indian market coupled with Hull College’s expertise in the delivery of technical vocation and educational training (TVET) courses; as well as bringing about a greater awareness of the educational sector in both countries.

The shared long-term objectives include evolving extensive and sustainable partnerships, providing opportunities for joint learning and developing new institutions and centres of excellence as global knowledge hubs within India.

Hull College’s international business development manager, Nick Fletcher, said: “This Institutional Capacity Building project between Hull College and Drishtee is a unique opportunity for Hull College to provide, with Drishtee’s input, bespoke  TVET courses geared towards the specific requirements of rural India.

“The skills enhancement of participants in India is a vision shared by both parties; with Drishtee being able to deliver courses to those who need them most, and Hull College extending its understanding of curriculum and educational needs for an overseas market; plus, the ability to expand its international portfolio and collaborate with international organisations in the design and delivery of tailor-made courses.”

Siddhartha Shankar said: “If India’s population is to become productive, then it needs skills. We believe the best training gives the best output. We can give out certificates but what matters is how valuable and good the overall training is and that is where Hull College will play a very critical role.

“The outcome of the collaboration will be a unique venture, at least at this moment in time. It will be different and widespread as it’s not just children, its adults. It will bring in significant people to people contact, which is a very desirable outcome. It is a long-term, not short-term, relationship.”

Close