At the Skill Bridge Conclave 2024, Chairman of Agni Group of Companies R.N. Jayaprakash said that the quality engineering education provided in Tamil Nadu is the main reason for the development of the major cities of South India and Global companies are looking for Tamil Nadu.

More than 200 HR Professionals & Industry experts participated in the program to bridge the gap between academia and industry participated in Skill Bridge Conclave 2024 organized by AGNI College of Technology hosted the much-anticipated event at the Welcome Hotel by ITC Hotels. The event aims to underscore the pivotal role of work integrated learning and foster closer collaborations between academia and industry.

Mr.R. N. Jayaprakash, Chairman, Agni Group of Companies, Mrs.Bhawani Jay Prakash Chairperson, Prof T S Natarajan, Advisor (former IIT Madras Professor), Dr. Vijayakumar, COO, Garuda Aerospace & Dr. Srinivasan Alavandar, Principal, Agni College of Technology graced the event and expressed their valuable inputs to the HRD experts.

Central to the SKILLBRIDGE event is the imperative to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practices. AGNI College of Technology, recently bestowed with autonomous status by Anna University, is spearheading efforts to revamp its curriculum to align closely with the evolving needs of various industries. This includes the development of innovative Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programs designed to seamlessly integrate theoretical learning with practical, real-world experiences.

The event will serve as a platform for stakeholders from industry, and professional bodies to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations. Through interactive sessions and panel discussions, participants will explore strategies to ensure that educational curricula remain abreast of current industry trends and demands.

Mr.R.N JayaPrakash, Chairman of AGNI group of companies expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “SKILLBRIDGE represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to nurture industry-ready graduates. By forging strong partnerships with businesses, organizations, and professionals, we aim to equip our students with the requisite skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce.”

Dr. T. Natrajan, in his address, underscored the significance of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and its uniqueness in bridging the gap between academia and industry, emphasizing its role in providing students with practical, real-world experiences to enhance their employability and readiness for the workforce.

Dr. Srinivasan Alavandar, Principal of Agni College of Technology, elucidated on Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and outlined AGNI’s pioneering approach in its implementation, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to shaping the future by seamlessly integrating academic learning with practical industry experience for students.

Key highlights of the SKILLBRIDGE event include:

Curriculum Innovation: AGNI College of Technology’s commitment to curriculum enhancement, with a focus on integrating WIL programs to enhance students’ employability and industry readiness.

Industry-Academia Collaboration: Facilitating dialogue and collaboration between academia and industry leaders to ensure that educational programs remain relevant and responsive to industry needs.

Practical Insights: Providing attendees with practical insights into effective strategies for aligning academic learning with the demands of the ever-evolving job market.

Networking Opportunities: Offering participants the chance to network with industry professionals, potential employers, and fellow educators to foster collaborations and exchange best practices.

The SKILLBRIDGE event promises to be a catalyst for transformative change in the realm of higher education, paving the way for innovative approaches to preparing future generations of professionals for success in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Industry experts from leading software companies such as TCS, Wipro, Capgemini, Hexaware, etc and core companies including Brakes India, India Cements, Caterpillar, Ford etc participated in the event, offering valuable insights on Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and its implementation, enriching discussions on bridging the academia-industry gap.