Take a different turn

Take a different turn

B.S. WARRIER for THE HINDU

There are many study options if students choose not to go for higher secondary courses.

Hands on: ITI students at work.

Many students look for study options other than the higher secondary courses. Let us look at some of the options before them.

One is the diploma courses in engineering and technology. Jobs in the field of engineering and technology may be broadly classified into three:

•Engineers and technologists who shoulder the responsibilities of design, construction, manufacture, maintenance and so on. These professionals normally hold a degree in engineering or technology.

•Skilled craftsmen such as plumbers, electricians, welders, motor mechanics, moulders, painters, and fitters.

•Technicians who function as a dynamic link connecting the engineers and technologists and the skilled craftsmen.

Technicians play a significant role in the execution of work. They interpret and explain drawings to the skilled craftsmen, supervise their work, take charge of the maintenance of machines, prepare engineering drawings based on the designs furnished to them and so on.

The basic qualification of technicians is a diploma in engineering or technology from a polytechnic college. Candidates who have passed the 10th standard are admitted to these colleges and given theoretical and practical training for three years. Almost all the disciplines such as civil, electrical, electronics, computer science, chemical, automobile and textile engineering and technology in the B.Tech. programmes are available in the polytechnic colleges. The curriculum is similar, but there is a significant change in emphasis. Mathematical analysis and design are emphasised greatly in B.Tech. programmes. That does not happen in the diploma courses. The stress in the diploma programmes is on “what and how,” whereas B.Tech. programmes focus on “why” as well.

Diploma programmes are conceived mainly as terminal programmes. But there are opportunities for further education. Diploma holders can secure B.Tech. degrees by joining part-time evening courses in engineering colleges. Normally, those with a diploma and one or two years of experience who work in the neighbourhood of the college are admitted to the part-time B.Tech. courses.

Another option is to join the second year of the B.Tech. programmes through what is known as “lateral entry.” They complete the programme in three years instead of the four taken by regular students.

A third possibility for higher studies is securing professional memberships such as the AMIE and the AMIETE through private studies. These stand recognised as equivalent to the B.Tech. degrees. Certain State governments do not accept them as equivalent for teaching jobs in the engineering colleges; otherwise, the membership is on a par with B.Tech.

Diploma holders who start their career as technicians often become engineers by virtue of their acquired higher academic qualifications or their years of professional experience.

There may be some anxiety whether the diploma is inferior to the degree. This anxiety is misplaced. The duties of the technician are as important as those of the engineer or technologist. Every category of employee is equally important in an organisation.

An expert in education, who came across this anxiety in respect of the polytechnic diploma holders, once wrote: The society that tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because philosophy is an exalted activity and scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity, will not have good philosophy or good plumbing. Neither their theories nor their pipes will hold water.

Craftsmen courses

Courses for training skilled craftsmen are being held in industrial training institutes (ITIs) under the control of the Directorate- General of Employment and Training. The institutes are affiliated to the National Council of Vocational Education (NCVT). These courses are being held in recognised private institutes known as industrial training centres (ITC). There are craft courses in engineering as well as non-engineering trades with various durations and entry qualifications. Typical samples are shown below:

•Electrician, two years, admission to those who have passed the 10th standard.

•Diesel mechanic, one year, admission to those who have passed the 10th standard.

•Painter (general), two years, admission to non-matriculates as well.

•Plumber, one year, admission to non-matriculates as well.

•Craftsman food production (General), one year, admission to those who have passed the 10th standard.

•Tool- and die-maker, three years, admission to those who have passed the 10th standard.

These courses, which aim at developing skills in the trades, are generally considered terminal courses. There are only limited opportunities for further studies. Those who are interested may go to the foremen training institutes at Bangalore or Jamshedpur, where the craftsmen can undergo training to become foremen or supervisory personnel in industries. Another option is the three-year diploma courses in polytechnic colleges.

Food craft courses


Hotel management or hospitality management is an attractive area of study that offers fine opportunities for early placement. But the course stretches over three years; admission is confined to those who have passed at least the higher secondary course.

Training in certain specific elements is being imparted in the food craft institutes. The minimum qualification for admission to some of the courses is the higher secondary certificate, whereas some others admit those who have passed the 10th standard examination.

The food craft courses which admit candidates who have passed the 10th standard:

•Food production, 15 months

•Hotel accommodation and operation, 15 months

•Bakery and confectionary, nine months

(Courses in food and beverage service, front office and canning and preservation are restricted to those who have passed the higher secondary examination.)

Other options

•Computer data-entry courses.

•Stenography (computer skills have become an essential ingredient).

•Engineering certificate examinations conducted by the State governments.

•Basic training of auxiliary nurse midwife and lady health visitor.

•Sanitary inspectors’ foundation course at various centres, under the control of the All India Institute of Local Self- Government.

•Training courses in production and quality control, pattern/cutting master, machine mechanic, garment construction in apparel training and design centres, under the Union Ministry of Textiles.