Vocational courses: Learn the trick of the trade

Well, vocational courses are a fine option for those who seek to settle in a job in a short span of time than venturing into higher educations.

So, your eyes are on job, rather than academic excellence. Do not worry even if your Class 10 scores were below expectations, you still have a sea of options and opportunities to explore. Go for a vocational course that even the central government is promoting to get over the shortage of trained and skilled manpower—a crisis that the Indian industry is facing right now. Listed below are a few vocational educational options available for those who have passed Class 10: 

Apparel Pattern Making, Industrial Sewing Machine Technician, Garment Construction Techniques,

Industrial Sewing Machine Operation, Khadi Technology, Footwear & Leather Goods, Marketing Assistance Course, Fruit & Vegetable Processing, Paper Conversion, Master Potter Course, Bakery course.

There are also some advanced courses like Architectural Draughtsmanship, Dress Making, Electronic Mechanic, Refrigeration Technician Training Course and Instrument Mechanic.

Looking at the burgeoning fashion and beauty care industry, you would want to take up courses like Advanced Diploma in Cosmetology, Diploma in Hair Designing, Certificate & Diploma in Beauty Culture, Certificate Course in Pedicure & Manicure and Certificate Course in Body Massage / Therapies.

National Institute of Fire Engineering (NIFE) with centres all across India (www.nifeindia.com) offers courses like Diploma in Lift Technology, Certificate & Diploma Course in Fire & Safety Engineering and Certificate Course in Fibre Optic Technology for those who have passed Class 10.

Otherwise go for Indira Gandhi National Open University (www.ignou.ac.in) that offers courses like Diploma in Dairy Technology, Diploma in Meat Technology and Diploma in Value Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables.

Besides, International Air Transport Association (IATA)-authorised training centres are spread across the country. Visit www.iata.org to find the centres. Courses offered include Diploma in Travel & Tourism Foundation.

How to apply? Applications are issued this month (June) and classes commence in August. The seats are allotted on merit-basis with reservation for Cat-1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, SC, ST, PH, Ward/Widows of defence personnel. Notification is issued in the first week of June and an entrance exam for selection is conducted in the month of July.

Job opportunities: After the completion of full-time courses, students could easily land jobs in industries. Since vocational courses are highly professional and job-oriented finding a job would not be that difficult as mostly, students land jobs immediately on completion of their courses. A few of the industries sponsor courses that would suit their respective industries and such industries train and absorb candidates even on the campus.