Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has introduced a one-year vocational training scheme to enhance the employability of polytechnic students, aligning their skills with industry requirements.

Students who complete Class 10 in the state often opt for a three-year engineering diploma at polytechnic colleges, while those who finish Class 12 can secure lateral entry into the second year. Tamil Nadu has over 450 polytechnic institutions, including government, government-aided, and private self-financed colleges, with around 50,000 students enrolling annually.

Once considered highly sought after, diploma courses have seen a shift in demand. In response, the Directorate of Technical Education (DOTE) has taken initiatives to improve job prospects for diploma holders. The newly launched vocational training scheme, introduced in the current academic year, aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills to boost employment opportunities.