Chennai: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) hosted the SWAYAM Plus National Workshop, 'SkillScape 2024,' on 2 Sep 2024 focusing on the future of higher education and skill development.

The event emphasized the role of technology and partnerships in addressing skill gaps and featured the launch of new SWAYAM Plus initiatives.

IIT Madras introduced six new skill-based courses on SWAYAM Plus, developed in collaboration with IITM Pravartak Technologies. These courses include 'Advanced Electronic Manufacturing,' 'CNC Machining,' and 'Smart Manufacturing,' among others. These additions aim to meet industry demand and enhance employability.

SWAYAM Plus, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Education and IIT Madras, aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) to promote employability-focused skilling courses. With over one lakh registered learners, 55 industry partners, and 300 industry-focused courses, SWAYAM Plus also provides over 11,000 internship opportunities across various sectors.

Shri Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Additional Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, highlighted the NEP's transformative impact on regulations and emphasized the importance of industry-ready students. Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, noted that SWAYAM Plus aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by integrating skill-oriented credits into academic curricula.

The workshop featured discussions on skilling needs, technology's role, and industry-academia partnerships, with a panel exploring industry expectations and challenges. Key speakers included Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, and Prof. R. Sarathi, Dean of IIT Madras.