Launch of Pre-vocational Courses

Having vocational courses in the school curriculum is vital as it provides students with practical skills and knowledge that can prepare them for the workforce and life beyond school. These courses also offer an opportunity for students to acquire specific skills that are in demand in the job market. Additionally, vocational courses provide an alternative pathway for students who may not be able to pursue a traditional academic route due to various reasons like affordability.

In line with the National Education Policy 2020, we introduced two pre-vocational courses for students of classes 8th and 10th in the month of July. The courses on General Duty Assistantship (GDA) and Soft Skills were carefully designed to support students aged 14 years to 19 years to transition well into vocational training after completion of the pre-vocational course.

The course on GDA will explain students’ key responsibilities of the General Duty Assistant in providing daily care to patients and catering to their health needs. At end of the course, students will be competent to:

• Describe the structure and services available in a hospital
• Implement their knowledge of the human body and its functioning in discharging their role as assistant
• Identify the common medical and surgical equipment used in the hospital
• Follow safety measures while discharging their duties
• Explain the need for sterilization
• Assist in the packing of instruments for sterilization
• Assist the patient in maintaining personal hygiene
• Support the nurse or the doctor while using a specialized technique of drug administration
• Identify and organize the equipment that is needed for drug administration way
• Assist the doctor or nurse in measuring patient vitals
• Transport medical specimens safely
• Discharge all their duties effectively

The modules on soft skills will help students explore the relevant aspects of organized sector employment and prepare them for choosing a suitable vocational course or career path. Through soft skills, students will develop dispositions, attitudes, and social competencies to become functional at the personal and social levels. These modules will develop communication skills and Computer and Information Technology skills.