PES University and Bajaj tie up for providing skills training to Karnataka state engineers in smart manufacturing

Interaction on 1st October with Press and Media

The inauguration of Bajaj Skills training Centre on PES University’s campus will be held on Oct 4, 2024. Speaking to the press, Prof. Jawahar, Pro Chancellor, PES University said that it is a moment of pride for PES University as they launch the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre, the only centre of its kind in Karnataka. He shared that Dr. M C Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education will be inaugurating the center. He emphasized on the significance of this partnership with Bajaj, and said that the center is part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by Bajaj to establish multiple centers across states of India. PES University is honored to host the fourth center in the country.

Professor Jawahar informed that Bajaj has made a significant investment of close to ₹30 crores in installing state-of-the-art equipment in the center, while PES University provided the necessary infrastructure to support this initiative. He explained that in identifying students for this program, the team considered the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of various districts across Karnataka, focusing on areas where students lack access to opportunities and exposure and Senior Faculty members of PES personally visited these regions, engaged with students and college principals highlighting the benefits of the program.

For admission to the program a simple entrance test, covering basic concepts of engineering was conducted. He mentioned that typically, a course of this scale would cost about₹1.5 lakhs and above, and said that Bajaj's generous scholarships, covering up to 80% of the tuition fee, has significantly reduced the burden on candidates. Additionally, PES University has further supported students by providing a 50% fee reduction for boarding and lodging, making it highly affordable. The program has a target to have 50% girl students in the next 2 years. The programis 100% residential to create an immersive learning experience as a unique feature.

Professor Jawahar shared that the training addresses the gap between theory and practicals, a key concern raised by industries. He said that the program comprises 70% hands-on training while only 30% is theory ensuring that students are well equipped to meet industry demands. He urged the media to give wide publicity to this initiative, which is especially beneficial for students from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

He also clarified that this program is exclusively for external students, and not for PES University students. The first batch, consisting of 60 students from the districts of Kalyana Karnataka, Hassan, Mandya, Davanagere are already being trained for since July 1st this year. Companies will begin recruiting these students starting next month, and PES is confident of 100% placement.

Furthermore, Professor Jawahar mentioned that the current batch consists of Graduate Trainee Engineers (GTEs), who will undergo a six-month training program. A new batch of Diploma Trainee Engineers (DTEs) will start in November, with their four-month course already fully subscribed. Both the six-month and four-month programs are divided into four modules, each designed to deliver rigorous training. Senior faculty members from PES University have volunteered to train students in these modules, reinforcing the university's commitment to developing industry-ready professionals.

Professor Jawahar concluded by expressing confidence that the Bajaj Engineering Skills Training Center at PES University will not only empower students from underserved regions but also set new standards in practical, hands-on engineering education in India.

He invited members of the Press and Media for the formal inaugural program on Oct 4th 2024 at 10am with a Ministerial delegation and industry and academic partners to cover the event to increase the awareness of the program.

View Album