Exhibition on job-oriented education courses

CHENNAI: Annamalai University’s distance education wing is conducting a three-day exhibition on job-oriented educational opportunities at its study centre in Egmore. Vice Chancellor M Ramanathan inaugurated the exhibition and visited all the stalls.The exhibition highlighted certain specialised programmes like health care, fire and safety management, BPO, animation, astrology, computer security analysis, fashion design, value education, news reading, digital publishing and management. In total, 18 stalls were put up at the exhibition on employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that are available through the distance education mode.In collaboration with various institutes, Annamalai University is offering PG Diploma and degree courses. With the aim of enhancing employability, these programmes would focus on honing skills required by the industry today.Inaugurating the exhibition, Vice Chancellor Dr M Ramanathan said that the university is keen on offering job-oriented courses through distance education so that not only youngsters but also elders would benefit. Those who are already  working and housewives can also join the courses offered.“So far, distance education wing was offering knowledge-based courses only. Now, we are providing skill-based programmes as well. These courses would give opportunities to students to start a much better career,” he said.Ramanathan further said that the university is joining hands with reputed institutes in their specialised fields to provide practical training in order to enhance the skills of the students. According to the VC, all training would be given by institutes. Conducting the examination and awarding the certificates would alone be done by the university.“Contributing to the central government’s aim to boost higher education in India, the university is spreading higher education all over the country. Only through distance education can we reach the masses. Out of all the 187 universities that are offering distance education, ours is one of the premier institutions,” he said.Annamalai University’s distance education wing is offering 545 programmes, in which 4,50,000 students are on roll, currently.  Director of University’s distance education, SB Nagewara Rao, said, “This exhibition will be held till July 17. Those who are interested in joining the courses can directly visit the exhibition and get admitted on the spot. We are also planning to introduce more programmes in coming years,” he added.