Srinagar, August 06 (KNS): The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir team, committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, participated as special guests at an interactive session on "Tourism Apprenticeship Model for Academia-Industry Collaboration" hosted by the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST).

With the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizing apprenticeship-led learning, the PHDCCI delegation, led by Vicky Shaw, highlighted the urgent need for higher education institutions to integrate UGC-mandated apprenticeship and internship-embedded degree programs. Shaw stressed that such initiatives are critical for universities like IUST to align curricula with industry demands, particularly in J&K's key sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and skill-based industries.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The PHDCCI team—comprising Himayu Wani, Madeena Mir,Shahid Khan, and Er. Owais Raja—provided expert recommendations on designing industry-relevant apprenticeship programs to enhance employability and sector-specific skills.

Vicky Shaw, Head of PHDCCI Kashmir, stated, "The future of education lies in experiential learning. PHDCCI is ready to collaborate with academic institutions to develop structured apprenticeship programs that meet industry standards and create a skilled workforce for Jammu & Kashmir."

PHDCCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting universities in implementing these programs, ensuring students gain hands-on experience while meeting the evolving needs of businesses. (KNS)