Vocational skills – Bridging the gap between education and employment
Vocational skills lays emphasis on knowledge, skills and attitudes that help students handle practical challenges and work situations. Everyone speaks today about 21st century skills required to be successful in the fast changing work place. What are these 21st century skills? These include communication skills, digital skills to use smart phones and conduct ecommerce transactions as well as financial literacy and entrepreneurship to handle the gig jobs in the new economy.
Our electrical trade students are studying repair of home appliances like mixie, air conditioners, water purifiers, microwaves and fans. During the course of the training they are getting hands on experience on these appliances. Some students have repaired the wiring in their schools. Some have done in their homes. Many students have started earning money whilst still in school. Others are becoming role models in their villages and school. The emphasis on learning a skill gives students a tremendous boost to their confidence to face the real world challenges and earn their livelihood.
This newsletter chronicles our collective work. For us, these stories reflect not just the fascinating work being done by our students and teachers, but also an understanding of how the skills the students are learning, is bridging the gap between education and employability, and preparing them, for success in their life ahead.
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My name is Falak Fairoz and I am a class x student of HS QAZIPORA. I never wanted to join a Govt school after passing my class VIII examination but my baba was firm in his decision to enroll me in the present institute for my 9th and 10th class studies. I always had this bad image of govt schools in my mind but fortunate enough it was to get enrolled in such an institution that altogether changed my mindset.
After joining the school, a very energetic, enthusiastic and seemingly intelligent teacher came to our class and introduced herself as a VOCATIONAL TRAINER and I really didn’t even understood the syllables of what she introduced herself as but within seconds she knew that what I and others were thinking in our minds. She made us understand what the word VOCATION means and what she is there for in the school. We had a very good first impression of her and she continued to attend one of our classes for days. A batch of almost 28 was ready to join her classes and to become skilled.
So there my story begins as I was slowly not only getting skilled in the trade of electronics and hardware but my perspective of seeing things changed a lot. I began to apply the things that I learned in the class to every electronic gadget at my home as my Baba works as an electronic technician. He runs a shop locally and earns our living. Whatever I used to learn in the class I used to share it with my Baba, who hardly knew how a particular component works but is a master in repairing electronic appliances.
I unknowingly began to devote extra time to this skillful subject by helping my Baba at his workplace. I remember the day when I explained my Baba how to troubleshoot a faulty appliance. He was amazed when I told him the correct method of troubleshooting and how to locate a fault more quickly. I am helping him in improving his skills and our beloved mam ( Miss Tehleela Navid) is helping us both. My Baba visited my school to see the teacher who is making teaching fun and way too easy and more than that he understood that she is transforming us into skilled students.
My vocational trainer even asked my Baba to provide a guest lecture on the repairing of a mixer juicer grinder and that made me realize that skill never goes to waste and more than that skill needs certification which my Baba didn’t have unfortunately.
I would like to thank the government who has made such initiatives of transforming India into skilled India. I want to become an electronics engineer and my vocational trainer Miss Tehleela Navid will be my inspiration and also a role model in achieving my goal.
01 July 2020, the date I joined HS Gariend Khurd Budgam as a Vocational Trainer. Before me, another VT Was posted in the school who left the job and I got a chance to transfer from Doda to Budgam. The time was of covid restrictions and schools were closed. I somehow managed to travel from my home district Anantnag to Budgam and joined the school. I was added to the WhatsApp group of the school and was given a time table to deliver online classes. When I started to teach the students online, only a few showed interest. Javid was one of them.
Javid was a Class 9 student of HS Gariend Khurd.. He was what they called an ‘EWS child’ or an ‘economically weaker student’. In initial interactions I got to know him closely. He said he wanted to join a private good to get a better education but due to the economic crisis in the family, he only managed to get admission in a Govt run school. Some schools work hard to make sure these students feel included and involved in the life of the school, while others just pay lip service to the idea of inclusive education. HS Gariend, thankfully, is a school that falls in the former category.
I noticed that he was a very keen student and had a flair for learning new things. He used to eagerly wait for my class. He was the only student in the batch who joined classes regularly. I lent him a helping hand and told him that I am more like an elder brother than being a teacher to him. He started to take greater interests in Electronics and Hardware. He used to call me for clearing concepts even in the general subjects. I developed a special kind of bond with Javid. There were two reasons for that. One was his economic backwardness and the other was his extraordinary intelligence.
I taught him every concept and practical of Electronics and Hardware online and he excelled at the same. He aspired to go with a Bachelor of Vocational Education in Electronics and Hardware but the colleges here don’t offer the course. He now wants to go for a Master of Technology in Electronics and Communication. 2020 and 2021 sessions were difficult because of covid 19. Despite that, Javid passed class 10 with flying colors securing 475/500 marks, topped the school and was the topper in Electronics and Hardware. I am still in touch with him and always guide him through thick and thin of life and studies. I wish Javid all the best for future endeavors.
Poshker is a hilly village located in Budgam district of UT of J&K. It is located at a terrain drive of 40 km from District Headquarters. It is a very backward village where you only get a few buses to travel to the district headquarters in a day and that too via transships.
Anzar was a Class 9 student of HS Poshker. He belonged to a middle class family. His father was a school teacher by profession and thus he had the flair for studies in genes. He was a very brilliant student with a thirst for studies. He wanted to fly high out of the village and wanted to excel in the field of education.
That day, when I was registering the students for the vocational course in class IX, he came to me with hope in his eyes and told me that he wanted to study electronics for a better future. The enthusiasm was infectious.
He was a very keen student and has a flair for creativity. He was always ready to learn new things. I taught him every concept and practical of Electronics and Hardware online. He wanted to become an electronics engineer because he had a special liking for electrical and electronic circuits. He always came up with new ideas and concepts. His concepts were even submitted for the Inspire Manak awards. Inspire Manak is a Govt of India initiative to polish raw ideas of school going children and make them a reality. Anzar passed class 10 with 489/500 marks and was the topper in Electronics and Hardware. I still help him out whenever needed. Good wishes to the genius!!!
It was the year 2019-2020 year, when students were admitted in my Electronics and Hardware class. Firstly students were very excited about this new subject. When I told them about the registration, they brought their parents when I restricted certain students not to get admitted. They find this trade interesting; they start learning with full interest. After that the other batches found it very interesting and began to take part in every field. In this batch, there was a student, Mohammad Imran who is a disabled student by vision, in spite of that he showed so much interest in ICT, electronic tools and wants to know more about projects.
In 2020-2021 year, due to space constraints I was told to take Vocational students in only one section, but the other section made a hue and cry in school, and submitted applications to HOI requesting vocational class for them also. Hafiz Ahmed from this batch has made and shared several videos. Another student Mubashira was selected in INSPIRE on district level for doing a project on drones.
I am very happy to share that girl students are coming forward to learn about electronics. They come up with kettles, iron, blowers, phones for repair and want to repair things themselves, they told me when our mam is doing this work, so why not we. My best wishes to all of my students.
I am extremely delighted to share the achievements of my student Hilal Ahmad Shah, a brilliant technophile, disciplined and determined student who has done wonders in class activities. He is technically very sound in resolving issues in home appliances with medium to advanced level PCB repairing. He has also opened his Youtube Chanel “HB TECHS” where he showcases his technical skills by uploading innovative videos on technology and repairing work. Interestingly Hilal Ahmad has worked on a lot of mini projects like Flood Alert Model, ATM Machine prototype, Obstacle Avoiding Robot and various others. He got first position in district Ganderbal after submitting his project “Flood Alert Model” for Inspire awards.
In his words “ I want to clear the JEE entrance examination to get admission in top IIT’S so that I would be a more successful professional to serve the country in the Electronics field”. I am hopeful that many more students like him will pass out of this school in Electronics and Hardware trade .
One of the students, Irfan Ahmad, whose father is running an electronics repairing shop, told me that after reading the electronic components, symbols in this vocational subject, he makes his father’s work more easy by drawing the circuits. He is helping his father in his shop. He said if he didn’t get any govt. job, he will continue to run his own electronics business .
He wants to expand his father’s business in a more technological way. Luckily the same batch shined In board exams with flying marks in electronics and Alhamdulillah we got 100% result.
All of the students of electronic and hardware class enjoy this subject very much, they find it very interesting because it deals with knowledge that they can implement in their daily life.
Subam Sharma, one of the students of level 3 is very much interested in this subject. His father runs an electronics shop and now he helps his father in his business. He wants to expand his father’s business; he also voluntarily takes part in every practical work in school. Recently our school ordered 5 new fans for new classrooms, and all the fans are installed by the students of level 3 and level 4 . They are very happy and feel confident after performing this practical.
Recently one class room wiring got burnt due to a short circuit. My principal wanted to call an electrician . But I assured him that I can find the fault and rectify it.
Then I took 2 students with me and made the room operational again within 2 hours. Our principal is very much happy with our work. Finally, I want to share that all the students are very happy and very interested in electronic and hardware subjects. They suggest their younger brothers and sisters take this subject as a vocational subject in class 9. I wish them all the best for their bright future.
Student's Corner
Amritpal Singh
Amritpal Singh, IT-ITeS pass out from GSSS Khadur Sahib, Tarn Taran has been working as a salesman with Eureka Forbes for the past 2 months. He has a unique way of handling impatient customers. When the customer does not have the time and tries to shoo him off, he puts on a smile and says “No problem sir / ma’am, please take this brochure and read it if and when you have the time and let me know if I can be of any help”. This has softened a lot of customers who have ended up hearing him out. He gives his entire salary to his parents and feels proud that he can help out at home.
November 16, 2018
Ranjit Singh
Ranjit Singh is an IT-ITeS pass out from GSSS Khadur Sahib, Tarn Taran and works for Eureka Forbes for the past 2 months. He is employed as a salesman and has been putting his skills into action. He loves traveling to meet his clients and is glad about the experience he is gaining. He gives his salary to his family. When asked, where he sees himself in 2 – 3 years, he said he wants to study further while still working so that he can continue to support his family.
November 16, 2018
Sunil Kumar
Sunil Kumar works in Competent Synergies and is already 3 months into the job which he got after passing out of the IT – ITeS course from GSSS Dutarawali, Fazilka. He follows up with customers who have not recharged or have stopped using Airtel’s service and tries to solve the issues they faced and get them back to being an Airtel customer. He can converse in Hindi, Punjabi and English depending on the customers’ preference. He, says his entire lifestyle and outlook has changed, and he now knows how to conduct himself, talk to his customers, and handle stressful situations. He is also proficient in Excel and is eager to show his skills to his manager to take on higher assignments.
November 16, 2018
Kuldeep
Kuldeep works in Competent Synergies after he passed out of the IT – ITeS course from GSSS Dutarawali, Fazilka. When asked about how the job was, he said “Ekdum badiya!” He sells hello tunes to customers and can handle impatient and tough customers. He stays far from home and has rented a room with his friend. They eat lunch at the office canteen and have dinner at the gurudwara near their house. He gives full credit to the IT-ITeS course he took up in school and has persuaded his younger brother who studies in the same school to take up the vocational course so that he too can land a good job after passing out.
November 16, 2018
Reshma
Everything in life depends upon some word from some source. How we understand the words of our world and how we respond to them will often determine our failure or success in making life choices. Choose the right word. According to me, I am average in analytical skills. Training at Laqsh was really helpful in getting confidence in many areas. Another speciality of Laqsh is the individual attention given by the faculty. The faculty share their own experience. That really inspired me. I attended my first interview on the last day of the course & I got my first job! I am really thankful to Laqsh and the faculty. I am placed in Rapid Value It Services as a Software Tester.
July 27, 2018
Bharath Kumar
One to one interactions have helped me think logically and practically.Our faculty makes software testing concepts simpler by citing a lot of examples.I am encouraged to use them,to test the application on my own and rectify errors.Lab sessions have helped me to improve my practical knowledge.
July 27, 2018
Anitha
It was pleasure for having got trained with institute like Laqsh. Earlier I attend an interview with Ernst & Young and could not clear it as I lacked some skills. Laqsh helped me fill that skill gap and helped me imporve my Computer Skills, Testing Skills, build up my confidence level. I would always be thankful to Laqsh for providing me an opportunity to get placed in Wipro Technologies as a Software Engineer.
July 27, 2018
Mamtha
I am Mamatha.J. LAQSH is a place where you can learn new things everyday. The faculty were helpfull 24/7 I am joining Wipro Technologies as a Software Tester from 24-12-12 . I will never forget LAQSH
July 27, 2018
Washimenla
I joined Laqsh on August, 2012, as BLR 9 batch. But some unknown fear and insecurity took over me. Maybe it was the fear of being in a new place, among new people. I failed to open up myself. So, I started neglecting my classes. I was so stubborn, and so I decided to leave Laqsh. On the day when I came to Laqsh to present my application, to drop the course, something happened. The faculties of Laqsh took a hold of me, because somehow they knew that this act of mine was suicidal. They were not willing to give up on me, even when I myself had give up all hopes. That day was the most difficult day; I had a tug of war going on in my mind. Finally I gave in. I took their generous advice and decided to rejoin again. It was too late for me to join my previous batch, so I joined as the new BLR 11 batch, on October, 2012. That brought a drastic change in my life. Today after three and half months of my stay at Laqsh, I have become a more matured and confident person. I was like a lost sheep at first. Laqsh rescued me, and have so passionately nurtured and guided me to achieve to certain great heights that I had only imagined in my wildest dreams. I am so thankful to all the wonderful, most acknowledgeable faculty of Laqsh and they are the sole reason why I am in such a confident level now. And now I can’t be more grateful and thankful enough to each and every one of them for making me get through in my first ever job interview by Logfire as Software Tester.
July 27, 2018
Yashashwini C
Having got trained in Laqsh I could get two best breaks for my career. I got placed in Wipro Technologies & Accenture as well, of which I chose to join Accenture. I would always be thankful to the people of Laqsh for having guided me for building up my career.
July 27, 2018
Shalini
In Laqsh,I experienced a unique experience to learn things, they teach us to learn & have fun. I enjoyed every moment. All trainers focused mainly on "How to grow into a professional from a student” . They trained us on all requirements that a company can expect from an individual
July 27, 2018
Manu Awalla
“I’m loving it!! LAQSH- is a good platform to learn. I am enjoying every moment. “
July 27, 2018
Pradeep Kumar
Hi I am Pradeep, I joined Laqsh to improve my presentation skills and speaking.I enjoyed the training.It has lot of activities and is fun learning.Thats the best part about LAQSH. Thank you Laqsh.
July 27, 2018
Sindhuja
My sincere thanks to Laqsh job skill academy. It was a great experience in Laqsh for 4 months, it was like an extension of my college life. I learnt lot of new things from this academy like software testing, corporate culture, & so much about software that i was not aware before. Laqsh has a beautiful, friendly atmosphere to study in. They even conduct lot of cultural activities like we celebrated onam festival, Teachers day etc. I got placed in Wipro Technologies with the help of Laqsh academy
July 27, 2018
Neenu
Laqsh changed me a lot. I was very scared to speak before people even in my mother tongue. It got reduced because of Laqsh's education. It is the best platform to learn and upgrade ourselves.The faculty are very helpful & attend to each & every student.The main attraction is it has lot of activities.Laqsh helped me to get through the first interview itself.I got selected in Rapid Value IT Services in Kerala as a software tester. I am very happy
July 27, 2018
McNeil Glen D'Souza
"At LAQSH, I developed leadership qualities and I learned to take initiative."
July 27, 2018
Chandan Rastogi
The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed.”- Richard Brinsley Sheridan I’m a B.Tech graduate from IIMT, Uttar Pradesh. I come from a business family. My native is Sitapur. My mother is a teacher of Mathematics and sister a Credit officer at the Bank of Baroda. After completing my graduation I gave a job mentor test conducted by the fresher’s world (helps in analyzing ones aptitude and technical skills). I also looked for jobs but didn’t find anything suitable or interesting. That is when I decided to specialize in a specific domain. I decided to move to Bangalore as it provides good job opportunities in the IT sector and majority of the IT companies are based in Bangalore. I got to know about Laqsh courses through fresher’s world. After joining this course, “My technical and practical knowledge have improved. I gathered skills which helped me clear interviews. Also, I have also become very confident”. Sushma Nagendra and Mr Kannan were my favorite teachers. They used very different teaching methodologies which were easy to understand. My dream is to work with Google. Currently I’m placed at INTEGRA MICRO SOFTWARE SERVICES PVT. LTD, Bangalore as Software Engineer Testing. My advice to everyone is, “One should be confident and never give up. One should have the willingness to learn and adapt then everything will fall into place.”
July 27, 2018
Yogesh Sharma
Training at Laqsh was really helpful in getting confidence in many areas. There are many institute that have similar kind of stuffs but the specialties about Laqsh is its individual attention and its curriculum. Apart from this what can I say about Technical training when person like Kanan Sir and Sushma Mam who has 20 yrs of experience with them are itself in this. Must say that if we have the problem Kanan sir has the solution.
July 27, 2018
Sivaraj.E
I really thank to Laqsh that they gave me the right path to live in this country, that's why right now I work for a software company in bangalore.
July 27, 2018
Nithya Shekar
Its my privilege to be talking about LAQSH as i have learnt many things from this institute. I'm glad to be part of the laqsh family. I joined this institute to learn about software testing. LAQSH has tought me so many things other then the subject in a short period of time. Laqsh has a good set up & I'm really thankful to laqsh and the faculty because they have helped me in every aspect, and now, I'm happily placed in WIPRO.
July 27, 2018
Krishna
"I was a very nervous person but now I am much more confident."
July 27, 2018
Kavitha Sharma
The word LAQSH itself holds a special meaning in my heart. I'm glad to be a part of the LAQSH family. Before joining this institute for manual testing I had no idea about this field as I was from a commerce background. After coming to LAQSH I learnt many things other than the subjects; I got rid of stage fear, I am more confident, my communication skills have improved all of which is very important in this competitive world. Laqsh has excellent facilities & very good faculty who help us in all aspects. With the help of all the faculties and our effort we are happily placed in WIPRO as software engineers. Last but not the least I would like to thank Laqsh for making my career.
July 27, 2018
Priya
In Laqsh,I learnt so many things.Before coming to Laqsh. I dont have proper communication.I was worried about my communication and also my Analytical skills.But In Laqsh the faculties helped me a lot to develope communication,Analytical as well as Technical Skills.They conducte code-A-Thon for us in Java.And that was too useful to develope knowledge about Java.
July 27, 2018
Sadiya Ambareen
Laqsh have a beautiful, friendly atmosphere to study in. Laqsh have given me an opportunity to realize my strength. I would specially give thanks to the professors who have recognize my strengths n weakness. They have truly helped me improvise my technical, analytical skills.. The testing coarse that i attended was of great use to me.
July 27, 2018