Thiruvananthapuram: This year, 400 engineering students have availed the internship scheme introduced by the state government to impart additional skills to the students. 300 students did their internship along with their studies and 100, after completing their course. While the students completed their internships at various local bodies and leading private companies, the graduates did internships at local bodies and organisations like KSCADC, Life Mission, KILA and Rebuild Kerala.
111 students completed internships in various local bodies. These interns were appointed as trainees on contract basis for one year to assist the technical section in maintenance work under various schemes in 64 cluster Grama Panchayats under the Department. They were paid a salary of Rs 10,000. The process of recruiting new batch interns is now under progress.
In the next phase, undergraduate and postgraduate students in disciplines other than engineering will also be offered internships in areas where they want to explore future employment. The ASAP scheme under the Department of Higher Education is being implemented to enable students to get better jobs through additional skills.
The students can opt for an internship along with their study or post-study. Students can also apply for a short-term internship during their studies as part of the curriculum. A list of five institutions connected to their field of study will be made available and the student can choose for any. Students will be selected for the internship according to the priority list prepared by the companies and there is no stipend for the internship done as part of the course.
Students will be selected for training in various companies as per the selection list prepared by ASAP from the applicants for one-year internship from those who have completed their studies. They will be given a stipend during the internship period. Those who perform well during the internship period are likely to be hired by the respective companies. Upon completion of the internship, ASAP will prepare a list of candidates and provide it to the companies for placement.
Under ASAP’s leadership, leading companies like CBRE and CREDAI are offering a 45-day specialized training for civil, electrical and mechanical engineering students to gain expertise in the construction sector. After the training, they will be employed as a skilled worker for one year in leading companies in Kerala under CREDAI and this might lead to a permanent appointment to those who perform well.
The internship scheme helps in inculcating the youths with the skills required for the industrial and service sector thus ensuring better employment. ASAP will provide all assistance up to the point of gaining job skills. Those interested in an internship can register on ASAP’s internship portal (www.internship.asapkerala.gov.in).