Melbourne, Jul 3,2012: Australia's much popular vocational courses in tourism, retail and hospitality will now be available to students in India as a leading Australian institute is set to open branches in the country. Melbourne-based firm Heraud Inc will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute on July 10 for setting up the TAFE institutes that would offer vocational diploma courses in tourism, retail, automotive engineering, hospitality and construction in the country. Initially, the company plans to build five schools in India with first one starting in Gurgaon which is expected to be functional by April next year. The move is in line with the Indian government's targets to skill 500 million people by 2022 and to build nationwide employability. Heraud CEO Amit Tikoo said his company has closely worked with the analysts from National Skill Development Corporation in India to understand the gaps between industry requirements and what the education institutes are able to churn. There is a recognition by the high circles of industry and the government that although we produce a high number of engineering graduates in India, the quality and deployability of these graduates is not high. The initiative has been designed on two-pronged approach -- one is directed towards individuals and the second aims at companies to train its own staff members, he said. Last year, the two countries had committed to expand the education exchange programme to achieve greater cooperation between their schools, higher education, vocational education and training sectors. During a visit of HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, the two sides also decided to open more avenues to share expertise in education and launch India-Australia Education Council. Heraud Inc educational pattern will be based on Australian traditions and will focus to prepare students for a globalised world, Tikoo said. All courses will be based on the TAFE NSW Sydney Institute curriculum but will be developed by TAFE NSW Sydney Institute staff in India in cooperation with the local industry, he said. After graduating from its institutes, students can also further choose to apply for their internship in Australia, he said. TAFE NSW institutes are part of the New South Wales Government Department of Education and Communities and are regarded as world's best practice leaders in the provision of high quality education and applied practical training, and are a popular choice for Indian students who wish to study in Australia.
