Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) and the Goa State Higher Education Council (GSHEC), in collaboration with the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and the Department of Industries and Commerce (DITC), organised a one-day workshop titled “Campus to Career”. The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by fostering meaningful engagement between educational institutions and industry stakeholders, with a focus on enhancing employability among Goan youth. The event brought together key representatives from Government, industry, and academia, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing employment challenges.
Speaking on the occasion,Pravimal Abhishek, IAS, Managing Director, GIDC, highlighted the presence of over 300 industries registered with GIDC and emphasized the availability of employment opportunities in the State. He underlined the objective of the initiative in facilitating placements, including for candidates with academic gaps, and informed about the proposed development of a digital platform to connect local talent with industry requirements.
Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, Secretary (Education), noted that the initiative marked a significant step as it brought together the Education and Industry Departments for the first time in a structured manner. He emphasized the importance of continuous faculty upgradation and reiterated the Government’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Industry representatives, includingPradip Da Costa, President, GSIA, and Yatin Kakodkar, Vice-President, GCCI, highlighted key concerns such as the limited availability of industry-ready talent, the need for hands-on experience, and challenges related to employability. They expressed that such initiatives would strengthen industry–academia linkages.
Dr. Niyan Marchon, Programme Director, Directorate of Higher Education, presented an overview of the higher education landscape in Goa and outlined various initiatives undertaken by DHE, including internships, incubation centres, industry collaborations, and skill development programmes. He also highlighted student achievements and shared the positive outcomes of these initiatives, particularly in terms of increased student placements, enhanced industry exposure, and improved employability. Further, he identified key gaps such as curriculum mismatch, limited exposure, and the relatively slower pace of academic systems compared to industry developments.
A felicitation ceremony was held to honour RAMP beneficiaries, followed by a panel discussion involving key stakeholders from Government, industry, and academia. The discussion focused on industry requirements, essential skill sets, and the need for collaborative efforts to bridge existing gaps. An interactive session was also conducted, addressing queries from participants.
The workshop witnessed active participation from industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and academic leaders from across Goa. It concluded on a positive note, laying a strong foundation for continued collaboration between academia and industry to enhance employability and career opportunities for Goan youth.
