For the first time in the country, Kerala has made a historic move by integrating vocational education into the school curriculum. This ground-breaking initiative, led by the State Education Department and SCERT, aims to equip students with practical skills and vocational knowledge alongside their academic learning, starting from the new academic year. Special textbooks have been prepared exclusively for this purpose, marking a significant shift in the approach to school education in India.

The scheme is based on provisions in the Kerala Education Act, which recommend dedicating time to work experience. Its primary goal is to instil a vocational outlook in students from a young age and give them hands-on experience in various fields. This exposure will help students identify career paths after higher education and also open doors to self-employment opportunities.

The vocational curriculum includes a wide range of career sectors such as agriculture, media and entertainment, the food industry, electrical and electronics, finance, housing construction, garment manufacturing, tourism, waste management, plumbing, handicrafts, and print and stationery.

To support learning, one teacher guide or study aid will be available for classes 5–7 and 8–10, along with student textbooks for classes 5 and 6. Students in classes 5 and 6 will be introduced to 10 job sectors, while those in classes 7 and 8 will study 12 sectors. For classes 9 and 10, there will be 12 textbooks designed to help students explore their areas of interest, gain hands-on experience, and make informed decisions about their future education and careers.

Currently, around 600 work education teachers are available in the state. In schools without dedicated teachers, vocational training will be integrated into other subjects.

This innovative approach to education is expected to become a model for the entire country. By focusing on skill development and career readiness, Kerala is setting a new benchmark in education and preparing its students to confidently face the demands of the modern job market.