South Korea and India Launch Vocational Training Partnership
In a major step toward enhancing skilled workforce development in India, South Korea has introduced its successful ‘K-Meister High School’ vocational education model to the country. The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) formally launched the initiative titled “Strengthening Vocational Education and Training in Mechatronics in India” during a ceremony in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on January 20.
This collaboration marks the first government-to-government (G2G) technical cooperation project between South Korea and India. It aims to support India’s rapidly growing manufacturing and technology sectors by cultivating skilled professionals through a modernized vocational training curriculum.
Program Highlights and Strategic Goals
The project is centered around establishing a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system focused on mechatronics—a multidisciplinary field combining mechanical engineering, electronics, and computing. The system will be based at the Multi-Purpose Demonstration School (DMS) in Bhopal and is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
Located within a hub of educational institutions including PSSCIVE (Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education) and RIE (Regional Institute of Education), as well as near an automotive industrial complex, the DMS site offers strong integration potential between academic instruction and industry demand.
Key components of the initiative include:
- Development of a mechatronics curriculum aligned with India’s National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)
- Creation of textbooks and teacher guides
- Provision of 41 types of advanced training equipment, such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)
- Training programs in South Korea for Indian educators and policymakers
Inspired by Korea’s Successful Education Model
The project will take inspiration from Korea’s Meister High School model, which is credited with contributing significantly to the country’s rapid industrial growth. The Korean approach emphasizes practical, hands-on learning and close cooperation between education providers and industry partners.
By benchmarking this model, the goal is to elevate the skill level of teachers and establish structured industry-academia cooperation. Seminars with industrial partners and guided workshop tours are also planned to foster these collaborations.
High-Level Support from Both Nations
The launch ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries including Ambassador Lee Seong Ho of South Korea, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Education, and Dinesh Prasad Saklani, Director of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Over 250 representatives from key institutions in both countries participated, including KOICA, KRIVET (Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training), and KCCI (Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Ambassador Lee Seong Ho emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This project marks a milestone in technical cooperation between Korea and India, and it is being launched in the heartland of India, Madhya Pradesh, which offers vast potential for Korean companies.”
Sanjay Kumar acknowledged the historical and cultural ties between the two nations and noted the relevance of this partnership in the context of India’s economic ambitions. “This initiative will systematize Korea’s educational methods in skilled human resource development and disseminate them across India,” he said.
A Vision for National Education Reform
Dinesh Prasad Saklani expressed optimism about the project’s impact, stating that the vocational education model developed in Bhopal could be replicated in other Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) and their associated DMSs nationwide. He highlighted the alignment of the initiative with India’s National Education Policy (NEP), which prioritizes skill development and employability.
Jeong Minyoung, KOICA Country Director in India, added that the Indian government has shown a keen interest in Korea’s industrial and educational strategies. “KOICA will maintain close communication with Indian stakeholders and ensure that this project delivers tangible benefits,” he assured.
Next Steps and Future Outlook
Following the launch event, KOICA will proceed with baseline surveys and curriculum development in collaboration with Korean experts and Indian partners from NCERT, PSSCIVE, and RIE. The agency also plans to invite Indian vocational education policymakers to South Korea for further training and policy formulation support.
The long-term objective is to establish a sustainable and quality-driven vocational education model that contributes to increased youth employment and supports India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
As India and South Korea deepen their educational and industrial ties, this partnership stands as a promising example of international cooperation aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth through skill development and innovation.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
