SKILLS is envisioned as a pioneering single point of operations at GTU for skill development and industry-academia collaboration.
- Acts as a central hub for all skill programs in emerging technologies, addressing industry demands and workforce readiness.
- Offers joint certification with leading industry partners and skill institutes in areas like AI, automation, robotics, and manufacturing technologies.
- Provides a mix of short-term and long-term programs, covering both credit and non-credit courses suitable for students, professionals, and lifelong learners.
- Students benefit from hands-on training through advanced labs and project-based, experiential learning methods.
- Flexible delivery—courses can be attended online, offline, or in a hybrid mode; supports both self-paced and instructor-led formats.
- Encourages “learn while earn” models, live projects, and internships to boost employability and real-world exposure.
- Promotes continuous faculty skill up gradation and strong industry-academia partnerships for curriculum development and innovation.
- Contributes to Gujarat’s leadership in technical education and strengthens the talent pipeline for modern industries in the region
Functions
CORE FUNCTIONS
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND GOVERNANCE
- Policy Formulation
- Develop and implement comprehensive skill development policies aligned with GTU regulations, guidelines by relevant statutory bodies (like UGC, AICTE, PCI etc.) and emphasizing on state specific demographic priorities
- Formulate guidelines for industry-academia collaboration in skill development programs
- Establish quality assurance frameworks for all skill development initiatives
- Create assessment and certification standards in alignment with national and international benchmarks
- Governance and Administration
- Constitute and operate specialized boards for emerging technology domains (AI, Semiconductor, FinTech, etc.)
- Establish advisory committees comprising industry experts, academic leaders, and government representatives for specific purposes of program (Course implementation in various modular operations like Industry Led Minor/Hons., Short term and Long term Internships, Exit Courses, Industry Certification for Students and Working Professionals)
- Develop and maintain regulatory compliance mechanisms complying with GTU regulations 2017.
- Implement monitoring and evaluation systems for all skill development programs
- Strategic Partnerships
- Negotiate and execute Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with industry partners, international organizations, and skill development agencies for various skill development initiatives
- Establish joint certification programs with leading industries and technology companies
- Develop strategic alliances with global skill development organizations
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN
- Industry-Aligned Curriculum Design
- Design and develop industry-led curricula for credit and non-credit programs
- Create modular skill development programs addressing industry-specific requirements
- Integrate emerging technologies (AI, IoT, Blockchain, FinTech and Semiconductor Technology) into existing curricula
- Facilitate outcome-based learning modules aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- Multi-Disciplinary Program Development
- Establish minor and honors programs in emerging technologies across multiple engineering disciplines in collaboration with various industries through establishing partnerships and co creating syllabus for entire pathway collectively.
- Create interdisciplinary skill development programs bridging traditional academic boundaries
- Design specialized certification programs for niche areas including Green Hydrogen Technology, FinTech, and Advanced Manufacturing
- Develop micro-credential programs addressing specific industry competencies
- Quality Assurance in Curriculum
- Establish curriculum review committees comprising industry experts and academic professionals as per the need of programs
- Implement continuous curriculum updation mechanisms based on technological advancements and industry feedback
- Ensure alignment with national skill qualification frameworks and international standards
- Develop assessment methodologies for competency-based skill evaluation
PROGRAM DELIVERY AND IMPLEMENTATION
- Diverse Learning Modalities
- Implement online, offline, and hybrid learning delivery mechanisms
- Establish self-paced and instructor-led course delivery systems
- Develop simulation-based and experiential learning environments
- Create gamification frameworks for enhanced learner engagement
- Skill-Based Training Programs
- Organize and conduct Skill-Based Training (SBT) programs during academic breaks
- Facilitate industry internships and work-integrated learning opportunities
- Implement "Learn while Earn" models in collaboration with industry partners
- Conduct specialized workshops and master-classes by industry experts
- Faculty Development Initiatives
- Design and implement Train the Trainer (TTT) programs for faculty capacity building
- Organize Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) in emerging technologies
- Facilitate industry exposure programs for academic staff
- Establish faculty exchange programs with industry and international institutions
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE OPERATIONS
- Technology-Specific CoE Management
- Oversee operations of Centers of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Blockchain Technology, Robotics, Semiconductor Technology, and FinTech
- Explore possibilities for expanding specialized research and development facilities within each CoE
- Facilitate technology incubation and startup development through CoE infrastructure
- Coordinate with industry partners for CoE equipment, technology, and expertise sharing
- Industry-Specific Skill Development Centers
- Managing, overseeing, and establishing industry-specific skill development centers such as the GTU-AIA Skill Development Center for Manufacturing Technology and the GTU-Keepsake Welding Research and Skill Development Centre, along with maintaining public testing laboratories as per regulatory requirements and exploring further such opportunities aligned with regional industrial needs.
- Research and Innovation Facilitation
- Promote applied research in skill development methodologies and emerging technologies
- Facilitate industry-sponsored research projects and consultancy services
- Support patent filing and intellectual property development initiatives
- Establish innovation labs and maker spaces for practical skill development
SECTION II: SPECIALIZED FUNCTIONS
INDUSTRY COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT
- Corporate Partnership Development
- Identify and engage with leading industry partners for skill development collaborations
- Negotiate joint certification programs with technology companies and industrial organizations
- Facilitate corporate training programs and executive education initiatives
- Establish industry advisory panels for program guidance and quality assurance
- Placement and Career Services
- Coordinate with industry partners for internship and placement opportunities
- Organize campus recruitment drives and job fairs
- Provide career counselling and professional development services
- Maintain alumni networks for industry connections and feedback
- International Collaborations
- Establish partnerships with international universities and skill development organizations
- Facilitate industry-sponsored research projects and consultancy services
- Develop global certification programs and international benchmarking initiatives
- Support patent filing and intellectual property development initiatives
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES
- Comprehensive Skill Awareness
- Conduct seminar/webinar for addressing skill gap analysis for GTU students across each domains
- Facilitate skill certification and digital credentialing systems
- Holistic Student Development
- Implement soft skills development programs including communication, leadership, and teamwork
- Provide digital literacy and emerging technology awareness programs
- Facilitate participation in national and international skill competitions
- Establish student clubs and technical societies for peer learning and knowledge sharing
COMPLIANCE AND REPORTING
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNANCE
- University Regulation Compliance
- Ensure adherence to all GTU regulations, policies, and procedures
- Maintain compliance with academic quality standards and assessment frameworks
- Adhering to GTU's academic calendar and administrative requirements
- Coordinate with GTU's academic, IT and administrative departments for seamless integration
- Government Policy Alignment
- Align all activities with Gujarat State skill development policies and initiatives
- Ensure compliance with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 requirements
- Adhere to regulations of Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Maintain compliance with skill development regulatory bodies and professional councils (LIKE NSDC, AND NQRF)
- Industry Standards and Ethics
- Implement industry best practices and ethical standards in all skill development activities
- Ensure intellectual property protection and ethical research practices
- Maintain transparency in industry collaborations and financial transactions
- Establish grievance redressal mechanisms for students, faculty, and industry partners
MONITORING AND COMMUNICATION
- Ensure systematic monitoring and impact check through documentation of best practices, preparation of statutory reports, and maintain effective communication with GTU leadership, government agencies, statutory bodies, institutes, industry partners, students, parents, and community stakeholders for compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement
Staff Profile
| Sr.No | Name | Designation | Education Qualification | |
| 1 | Dr. Keyur Darji | Deputy Registrar-(Industry Collaboration)&Head –GTU(SKILLS) | BE Chemical,MBA(Marketing),Ph.D. (Management) |  |
| 2 | Mr. Jitendrakumar Suryanarayan Pandey | Section Officer-GTU SKILLS | BE Chemical ,MBA(Finance) |  |
| 3 | Dr. Minal Dani | OSD-GTU SKILLS | BE, ME, Ph.D.(Metallurgy Engineering) |  |
| 4 | Mr. Hardik Shah | OSD-GTU SKILLS | Diploma (EC),BA, MA(Political Science), MBA (Finance),LL.B. |  |