Driving Talent Readiness Through the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP)
Spectrum Talent Management® recently participated in a key meeting organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP). The discussion was held at the UGC Head Office in New Delhi.
Representing the staffing and workforce solutions industry, Atanu Banerjee, CEO of Spectrum Talent Management®, joined the session. Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Vice Chairman of UGC, along with UGC officials and the AEDP Implementation Committee, were also present. A select group of industry experts participated in the conversation.
The focus of the meeting was the planned implementation of AEDP. This initiative integrates apprenticeship training into undergraduate degree programmes. As a result, students gain practical experience alongside academic learning.
AEDP Preparing Students for the Workplace
The AEDP addresses a long-standing issue in India’s higher education system—students graduating without relevant work experience. By combining academic study with structured on-the-job training, AEDP creates a more effective learning environment.
Atanu Banerjee remarked on the value this model brings:
“Industry engagement in curriculum development and student training is crucial. The AEDP will help bridge the employability gap by offering students the opportunity to learn in the classroom and apply that knowledge in a practical setting. This dual-track approach is essential for building a future-ready workforce.”
Industry-Academia Collaboration through AEDP
Importantly, the meeting highlighted the need for active industry involvement. Companies play a key role in shaping the programme’s effectiveness. Their input helps create relevant work roles, training structures, and feedback loops for continuous improvement.
With more than 16 years in workforce services, Spectrum Talent Management® understands these requirements well. The company has worked with clients across IT, retail, manufacturing, and more. Its operational insights and client experience can directly support AEDP’s structure.
Academic Learning Meets Practical Skills
Unlike short-term internships, AEDP embeds long-term practical experience into the curriculum. This ensures that students graduate with a better understanding of actual job requirements.
Colleges benefit from improved placement outcomes. Companies, in turn, can engage with potential hires early. For students, it creates real value—a degree with applied skills from day one.
Supporting India’s Skill Development Mission
This Apprenticeship programme supports the broader goal of building a stronger, job-ready workforce in India. It aligns academic institutions with employment needs, and supports a learning model that focuses on applicability. Spectrum Talent Management® continues to support initiatives that bridge institutional learning with industry expectations. Participation in this meeting reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to creating stronger workforce models in collaboration with national agencies.