district career counselling centre proposal - final version 5.0

© Copyright of Astric Computers (I) Pvt. Ltd. 2015

PROPOSAL FOR STARTING

Agency : Astric Computers (I) Pvt. Ltd.

Sector : Education/Capacity Building/Skill Development

Overall Objective : To provide Education, Career Guidance for Children and

youth from rural area especially for marginalized

community to help them be aware and make informed

decision while choosing education stream and selecting

career. Focussed towards empowering them towards

livelihood generation and self-employment post ICT

related courses.

Location of the Project : All Districts of Bihar (38 districts)

Beneficiaries : Youths, Students, Job seekers, Families, etc.

Implementing Partners : State Government of Bihar

Project Duration : Initiation period- 1 to 5 years in 5 Phases.

(6 Districts per Year/Phase)

Project Cost : Phase-I – Rs.1 Crore (20Lac per District)


BACKGROUND:

Bihar has highest 65% of youth under 25 years of age but not skilled hence skilling needs a two pronged approach first being a big lag in communication skills and second IT Skills. Both life skills & mother tongue influence has perhaps taken Bihar a step back. What we have understood with our own field exposure is the dire need for breaking the linguistic barrier and need to introduce English speaking and communication skill classes. Our second step towards setting up of IT Labs to imbibe ICT based skills to the youth of Bihar. We have been silently working on the above two pointers for almost 6 years and have been successful in designing a proved structure with low powered PC which runs on as low as 2-5Watts of energy, also low on e-waste & a very ‘innovative’ desktop virtualisation technique for effective learning in a state like Bihar where power/energy is scarce. We are perhaps the first IT Skill Development Centre from Bihar who have gone for e-Learning using virtual classroom technology which runs on low bandwidth using landline. Our innovative classrooms have teaching learning aids to guide the learner at his/her own pace. We understand well that in this era of global competition a “Bihari” can give his/her competition a run for money if he/she is equipped with English and ICT skills. Learning as we all know has no end and in this competitive world one has to work hand-in-hand to sustain growth hence we have partnerships with multiple brands like Language Company LiqVid, Skill Content Developer Navkar Centre for Skills, Virtual Classroom Technology firm Pathak baba), Virtual Desktop Company NComputing, Solar Company Vikram Solar, BPB Publication for printing quality course material, recruitment agencies like Naukari.com, Team Lease, Government University level academic tie up with South Bihar University of Bihar and Nalanda International University and last but not the least Industry tie-up with CII, Bihar Industry Association and International tie-up with Silicon Valley Companies like Oracle, Intel, AMD, Seagate, Sandisk, Epson and other MNCs.

We understand that the accelerated economic growth has increased the demand for skilled manpower that has highlighted the shortage of skilled manpower in the country. Employees worldwide state a variety of reasons for their inability to fill jobs, ranging from undesirable geographic locations to candidates looking for more pay than what the employers have been offering. India is among the top countries in which employers are facing difficulty in filling up the jobs. For India, the difficulty to fill up the jobs is 48%, which is above the global standard of 34% in 2012. The lack of available applicants, shortage of hard skills and shortage of suitable employability, including soft skills, are some of the key reasons in finding a suitable candidate for available jobs in the country more so for Bihar as the Human Resource Pool Valley of the country has to come to the fore to assist the nation building exercise.

OBJECTIVE

It is perhaps the only solution for the youth of the state to get a Career Counselling cum Training Academy at district level so they do not have to run to state headquarter Patna for growth in career. It is high time that Bihar accepts the fact and works towards the establishment of such a Career Counselling cum Training Center in all 38 districts of Bihar to provide the youth of the state a true gift wrapped with modern technology to e-enable them towards global competitiveness. A citizen may be in District of Bihar, but he/she can take help of the career counsellors over phone and video conferencing solutions like Skype/GTalk etc. Whether a student is looking for career counselling after 12th or career counselling after graduation such sessions can help one resolve all career confusions to a great extent.

http://www.mapmytalent.in/career-counseling



Why Astric?

Astric Computers (I) Pvt. Ltd. is a 24 year old IT organisation based out of Patna and spread across Bihar with over 140 partners. For the last 6 years we have been working closely as the first PPP initiative with State Government of Bihar in Training and Capacity Building for un-employed youth, educated youth, government employees, ex-servicemen and their dependents, implementing a series of projects for the development of backward and marginalized people who are living in the rural areas of the state. Now our activities are spread over few districts like Patna, Gaya, Ara and Chapra with our headquarters in Patna. Astric- Center of Excellence has implemented IT courses for the mass since 2010 in collaboration with state IT nodal agency BSEDCL under a MoU for pre-approved courses throughout the years with prioritizing development in more than 12 core areas of IT, ICT, ITeS and governance in Bihar. Astric develops ICT based courses based on need analysis and community development by giving services in the sectors of education, IT, health and other relevant sectors thus aiding the state’s economic development apart from better service delivery through e-governance.

It was due to our efforts in collaboration with state government that on 31st March 2014 an MoU was signed between Government of Bihar (through Bihar Knowledge Society) and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing i.e. C-DAC Pune for two Certificate Courses and later two Post Graduate 100% scholarship programmes in high end courses for the students domiciled in Bihar. The project provides full financial assistance and specially designed training opportunities for economically poor and needy students at Patna and Gaya.

WHAT IS THE MODUS OPERANDI?

This proposal is for education and career guidance and counselling for youths and children in the age group of 14-35 years in the 38 districts of Bihar. Education and Career counselling and guidance plays a key role in helping students, youths, labour markets work and education systems meet their goals. It also promotes equity: recent evidence suggests that social mobility relies on wider acquisition not just of knowledge and skills, but of an understanding about how to use them. In this context, the mission of career guidance is widening, to become part of lifelong learning. One key challenge before students and youths is decide a course which is more likely to either provide employment opportunity or self-employability. So, there is a need based requirement of career guidance and counselling centres which would also train the skilled, semi-skilled and un-skilled in the state on soft skills, behavioural skills and English within the same campus possibly at very low cost if not free.

We are living in a time of rapid change, and this has important implications for career planning. In the past people would work at one career (and often one job) throughout their lives. Now, young people can expect to have several careers in the course of their lifetime. To be successful, they will need to be flexible, creative, self-motivated, and able to innovate. They must plan to continually learn and upgrade their skills throughout their lifetimes. Over the years Astric has observed a rising need to improve Children and Youth support, especially with regard to education and career counselling services and guidance. The project seeks to set up counselling and careers guidance centre throughout the country to coordinate the provision of the counselling and career services and to extend the scope of existing children and youth support. The project goal is to create an effective platform to enhance support for children, youths and others and the employability of youths in the state of Bihar.

Unlike the yester year's when there were very few options available to the students, today there are a number of good lucrative career options that are available to the students. On top of that the current level of media exposure leaves a lot of students thoroughly confused. Most of these students and their parents do not know how to take this crucial Career Decision.

http://www.mapmytalent.in/


FLOW CHART OF MODUS OPERANDI

It is here that our Career Counselling comes to the help of the students and parents. But getting access to good and credible Career Counsellors remains a big challenge for the students and their parents. We offers career counselling sessions using technology through Skype and phone and it follows a very scientific process. One can take online career aptitude test and get reports and get connected to best counsellors. Not only this, we provide online support for customers where they get access to their dashboard and interact with the career counsellors.

Students walk into Paramarsh Kendra

Individual or Personal Counselling Mass Counselling Sessions

Theory Classes

Government Certification Happy Individuals with Employment Connect

Practical Classes




Summary of Project “Paramarsh”

This project is designed to help the children and youth of Bihar for guidance and counselling in their education and career. Career guidance and counselling is a process that aims at helping the individual discover inner resources, develop them, and use them to the best of his or her ability. It is a process through which youth are given relevant information to help realize their professional goals and potential.

As a caregiver, we at Astric will need to prepare our children and youth for this reality. It is the individual’s or group’s responsibility to show concern for the well-being of fellow citizens. He/she can make beneficial contributions to society even while benefitting from it. Youth and children can contribute to the community by becoming active with community involvement programmes, voluntary welfare organisations, self-help groups, community development councils, community centres, clubs, resident committees, and religious organizations spreading digital literacy in the state of Bihar.

Therefore, Astric has planned to initiate a new project “Paramarsh” for education and career counselling and guidance for youths and children in the country. The project will help the children and youth to prefer and seek courses, jobs which is more suitable for them. As part of the project the organization will open career centres throughout Bihar. For initial phase it will establish special career centre in 38 Districts of Bihar.

The career counselling cum training centre Paramarsh will be a platform for youths and children to seek and get information about career, courses, scholarships, financial helps etc. The project will be done in five phases. At the first level, an online portal and a Toll free number service will be provide to students and children for their services. By this students can avail service like online education and career guidance and counselling services by professional counsellors for various streams in Information Communication Technology driven courses. Any youth and children can call the toll free number for their help related to education and career. At the second level direct guidance and counselling facilities will be provided by our trained members who shall be placed in District offices. The students can avail services directly through our career centres by trained professionals.

For the purpose all the trainers will be coordinated in a single platform under the proposed career center and give them training. At the last phase the centre will make collaboration with other professional groups and individuals who are providing guidance and counselling for youths and children in the country. The centre will ensure the services of other professional groups and individuals to youths and children in this level. For the purpose the centre will organize workshops, seminars, counselling training programmes, etc. with the collaboration of other trained professionals and organization. At this level special student cadres will be organized in premier institutes of the state for the admission help of needy students. Special incentives will be given for their services if deemed fit by State Government of Bihar.

It is here that Astric – Center of Excellence Career Counselling cum Training Academy comes to the benefit of the students and parents in all the districts of Bihar. That is even if the students are geographically far away within any district, still they can get Quality Career Guidance when they take career counselling from a reputed and credible Career Counselling




cum Training provider like us. Here are the distinct advantages of Career Counselling and Training Academy: Career Counselling allows a student to take some time out from their schedule and visit

the District Counselling cum Training Academy close to their place. One need not travel to another city or town for taking Career Assessment Test.

The results of the Career Test is usually in the form of Comprehensive Report that lists the students Aptitude Profile and Personality Profile as well as provide the recommendation for future Career Path.

For those who wish to have a personal interaction with the Expert Career Counsellors, post Career Test can get an option to either speak over phone or Skype or use any other online hangout / chat feature to interact as long as they go online through a cyber cafe.

‘Paramarsh’ (hereto referred to as “the Program” of Government of Bihar) is the most comprehensive online career and course advisory program for students in the age bracket of 14 to 35 years. The program is designed and crafted in such a way so as to help students and trainees select their BEST-FIT subjects / courses / career on the basis of their aptitude, personality and interests mainly in the Skill Development scenario limited to the industry mentioned above in the proposal under ‘Why Astric’. The Program is designed and built by expert counsellors who carry with them a rich experience spanning over two decades or more in the field of education, applied psychology and human behaviour. The counsellors, having put in 1000’s of man hours and having counselled over 1000’s of students each year, have carefully devised this program keeping in mind the Indian education set up and the Indian economic, cultural and social scenario with respect to Bihar. The aim of the Program is to empower the student of Bihar with complete knowledge about their inherent strengths, their aptitude, personality and interests, and help them get clarity about their most fitting and right career and course apart from skilling them with English and soft skills so very relevant for cracking an interview. What is the Fundamental Premise of the Program? The Program has been designed keeping in mind – Each student has got certain unique talents (aptitudes and personalities); just that most

of us don’t know about these talents or can’t see / identify them in ourselves. A correct understanding of what is aptitude and what is personality will help one

understand why they are so important in making right career decision. When a person chooses their course and career on the basis of their inherent strengths,

or their inherent talent, or their aptitude, personality and interests, then it will help the student to naturally be able to enjoy their studies and their work, and ultimately, do well in their course / career, and thereby lead a happy and successful life.

New age lifestyle diseases such as unhappiness at work, depression due to exam stress, exam failure, misery at work etc. can be eliminated if students do NOT choose the WRONG course and career in the first place itself.


http://www.mapmytalent.in/aptitude-test

http://www.mapmytalent.in/online-career-test

http://www.mapmytalent.in/aptitude



How does the ‘Paramarsh’ work? The Program will assess a student’s aptitude, personality and interest over an approximately 2 hour long online assessment. This career assessment will include – Aptitude Test: approximately 30 minutes This test maps the “in-born” aptitudes of the student. These aptitudes naturally help the

student to learn or do certain tasks or activities. For example: Certain students, right from their childhood would love to break open their

toys and then reassemble back. This is indicative of a certain aptitude that is in-born. Personality Test: approximately 50 minutes This test maps the personality of the student, that is, it measures the most natural

behaviour that the student displays in different situations. It maps 28 personality traits. For example: There are certain students who are naturally extrovert, while others are

shyer. There are a few, who are quick decision makers, while others who can analyse well. Interest Test: approximately 30 minutes This test maps the course / career interest of the student. The student explores around

close to 200 different courses / careers, looks at all aspects and finally picks the one that he / she is most interested in.

Parental Section: approximately 10 minutes We believe that parents play a very crucial role in a child’s decision making. Therefore,

this section will take in the parents’ inputs, opinions and thoughts about their child. What are the benefits of Paramarsh? The Program works as a magical charm for students who are going through a phase of

immense emotional, physical, and academic transition at this age. As if the worries of daily life were not enough, this additional worry of choosing the right course and career is also pressed on to the light-weight shoulders of a young child. On the one hand there is confusion because of many available lucrative careers; on the other hand, there are far too many influencers like the media, internet, and one’s friends and family. The Program as we understand will be aimed at helping all students from a practical, unbiased and neutral standpoint and helping them make the RIGHT decision regarding their course and career.

Upon completion of the test and after payment of the package, every student gets two

comprehensive reports, a summary report and a detailed report, that list their own aptitude, personality and interests along with a detailed information on these.

The report consists of personalized career suggestions for each student. The counsellors

personally look into the report of each child, weigh it against the market situation, correlate it with the child’s background, and offer suggestions of top three best suited careers for the child.

The students get to understand the career suggestions for their unique combination of

aptitudes and personality for them.



http://www.mapmytalent.in/my-talent/sample-report/summary/1

http://www.mapmytalent.in/my-talent/sample-report/comprehensive/1


On the basis of the report, the student will be able to get complete clarity on what are

the right subjects / courses / careers for him / her. It will also help the student in chalking out his / her career goals and do proper career

planning. The report not only offers suggestions for the right subjects / courses / careers, but also,

it offers a complete career path / road map on the necessary steps a student must take in order to reach a particular career, including information on colleges, courses, entrances, and any other requirement / information needed by the student.

Many students who came for guidance have reported scoring better results and a more

focused approach after undergoing the Program and understanding oneself. The student becomes a part of the community that is self-aware and moving forward with

positive motivation in their lives. Depending on the educational background the student can avail expert career

counselling via email, phone or in-person. The career counsellors will resolve all student queries and offer expert career guidance.

The students get to explore various courses in the offing, entrance exams in accordance

to their educational background, institutions and mapped careers for their needs and get in-depth information on all of them.

The Program should also be beneficial for parents as more often than not, it is the parents who are the most confused when it comes to helping their child choose the right career. Unlike in the past, when career options were limited, students had to perforce pick those courses / subjects that helped in getting a secure government job. However, today, there are a plethora of lucrative Skill Development based career choices. The parents, though, are not too sure how to help their child pick the right career path. That is precisely why; the program should be of immense help for parents also.

Parents also get to know about the inherent strengths, aptitude and personality of their

child. This acts as a basis for taking academic, non-academic and career decisions. Parents also get to be a part of the email counselling / phone counselling / in-person

counselling with the career counsellors and get their doubts and queries resolved for their child’s career.





http://www.mapmytalent.in/entrance-exams

http://www.mapmytalent.in/career

http://www.mapmytalent.in/career



SCREEN SHOT OF DASHBOARD

Phasing of Project (Core Activities Proposed):

Programme Phase Duration Activities proposed during the periods Phase – I One year A portal and toll free number

Phase – II One year Guidance & counselling by our trained members

Phase - III Three year Appointment post training of professional counsellors to assist

the needy

Outcome and Deliverables of Project

The project will provide services to all children and youths from different districts of Bihar within their district irrespective of their caste, religion, gender, colour or political affiliations. All children and youths will directly access and use the services and related facilities.


The key benefits of the project envisaged are:

1. Children and Youths can access guidance and counselling services through online or direct form the career counselling cum training academy at district level.

2. They can access an expanded range of counselling and guidance services related to personal, academic, and career issues according to their respective needs in IT career choice.

3. Children and Youth can find support and resolution for personal and academic issues and thus derive deeper satisfaction from their educational experience, and achieve greater personal growth post counselling and course completion.

4. Children and Youth can make use of education and career guidance information and resources from the centre to explore their career interests, develop long-term goals, and actively plan their future career progression.

5. Youths can benefit from networking activities to build professional relationships with external parties and potential employers, which can significantly increase their employability upon graduation/certification.

6. Children and Youth will be better supported by the establishment of a new platform of interaction which is more easily accessible and better resourced.

7. Children and Youth will be able to acquire information on academic issues and the social environment directly, using the new self-help portals which will be set up together with the District Centre.

Project Components and Activities

The Project intends to provide the following programmes and activities. The core activities will be done in three levels.

A. Toll free Number

A toll free phone line No 1800 XXX YYY ZZZ is with object of providing support to students, youths and parents. It is a free service offered to avail information and guidance from experts on academic and careers at the golden hour. The services will be accessible from 10.00 am morning to 5.00 pm evening Monday to Saturday.

1. Provide authentic and complete information to students in the following categories:

Careers Courses available Vocational and job oriented courses Scholarships (Government & Private) Admission

2. To act as life-time academic and non-academic counsellor for all children/youths and dropouts across the Nation.


Who can subscribe for Toll Free phone service?

Students, adolescents, job seekers and parents can call if,

They are confused and uncertain about the future. They are not able to resolve and manage feelings, emotions, anxiety, and stress. They need support for pacifying emotional upheavals and tackling low feelings,

disappointments and frustrations. They need information on admission and career.

Services to be offered:

Information – Courses in Soft Skills/English/ ICT Courses, Resume Writing, admission, scholarships, etc.

Guidance and counselling – Academic and other stress related issues. Working model

Information and guidance will be provided to the needy through the toll free number. At the District Counselling cum Training Academy, we will place well qualified and trained, full time academic and career counsellors who assist the students and youths. When a call is received at the call centre, it is attended by the counsellors and the most authentic information is provided to the students/youths using the most reliable and best resources, there by addressing the career needs of the callers.

Process 1- students calling to our Toll free number

Process 2- Call is received by our trained counsellors in call centre.

Process3- Giving authentic information to the children and youths- courses, admission, colleges, etc.

Project Requirements

Toll Free Number Access:-The call centre software, with features like voice logger, customised CRM reports, call barge in, IVR, Call conference etc.,

Human Resources - Counsellors to attend the queries and develop supporting material.

Infrastructure- Infrastructure is procured to start off the operations in a new office. Need career centres and computer facilities.

Training: - All the counsellors should be trained and are equipped to take the calls. So, training programs should be conducted for 2-3 months.

Finances: - The finance should be there to provide salaries to the resources persons, Flagstone for operations expenditure and for call centre software through Government funding to Astric.

B. Online Portal:

An online portal is specially designed web page which brings information together from diverse sources in a uniform way. The portal is a platform for guidance and counselling service to students and youths. It will be a source of information pertaining to job and careers, admission, courses etc. It will be a medium to get financial assistance and other services to the needy.

The students and youths can register in the online portal. There will be options for different types of registration. It will be based on the purpose of registration. The three categories of registration will be:


a. Jobseeker registration b. Employer registration c. Student registration

There will be a fee for the registration. We will provide login id and password to login in the site.

Guidance and Counselling - Online Guidance and counselling sessions

The online portal will give guidance and counselling services to the students. There will be three types of counselling services

Admission advice - related to admission

Career advice - related to career option, opportunities

Guidance on self-employment and entrepreneurship.

How it works:

Step-1: Counsellors- the details of the counsellors will be given with their name, photo, detailed CV, area of specialisation, amount per hour for counselling services and with their schedules in our portal.

Step 2- Students Registration- Students will register in online portal

Step 3- Selection of a counsellor from the panel- The students will be able to see the dates and times that the counsellor is free. Click on a date accordingly and book their counselling session. Then they will receive an email/SMS confirming the details.

Step4: Chat online with the counsellor or call on toll free number

Career Test- Psychometric Test:

The portal will have facility to different career tests. The career test that will reveals students/youths interests and aptitude along with a list of recommended careers. Any students can take this test.

The following tests will be available in our portal:

Mock Career Test Online Psychometric Tests Aptitude assessment Job matching

How it works:

Step 1: Register on our portal to take the career test.

Step 2: Selection of any one of online test.

Step 3: Payment for the test.

Step 4: Students will get access for online career tests. (If counsellors help is required we will provide it.)

Step 5: Online report- Detailed online report is generated after complete all the tests. Self-explanatory report with career recommendations


Information

The information will be available from play school to Top colleges around the nation. The registered member can access following information

Information about all educational institution.

Courses and Admission- state, national and international

Training centres by subject and regional wise.

Admission Help

The students will get admission help through our portal to all skill development programs running in the respective districts or elsewhere in the state. The proposed career centre will make linkages with colleges and institutions for the admission. The centre will charge an amount/fee from the students and colleges for their marketing and students recruitment.

Scholarships

The portal will give information regarding different scholarships. The scholarship information includes the state, national and international level scholarships and both private and government scholarships. Priority will be given to the government scholarships such as Pre-matric and post matric scholarships. Schedules, process, application form and other details will be available on our portal. If the students need any assistance to fill up the forms or any other help they can call to the toll free number or can put query in the online portal. The student will get immediate response from experts.

Financial Assistance

The portal will have option for financial assistance for economically poor and needy students. It will be given by the career counselling cum training centre Paramarsh. For the purpose the centre will collect money from donors and other well minded people. Students can send their application and other relevant information for the financial assistance. Interview will be conducted for the selection of qualified beneficiaries for financial assistance.

Job Alerts and Drives

Information will be available on job alerts and notifications. Area wise job alerts will be available in the online portal. Registered member can access more facilities regarding job alerts, drives and etc. The registered member will get automatic job notification to their email ids once they registered.

Other Services

The portal will give services with regard to the professional development of the job seekers and other students. There will be services to help the students and youth in preparing resumes, CV, certificate verification, etc. There will be fee for the services.


Level-II: Guidance and Counselling by Our Trained Members

The proposed career counselling cum training center Paramarsh will provide guidance and counselling with the help of our trained members. The centre will bring a single platform to those members to render their services to the beneficiaries. For the purpose we will consolidate the members and volunteers who are in our network in parallel to strengthening the network by running campaigns in educational institutions across the state. The following people can be organized in a single platform for the purpose:

a. Teachers and Academic professionals currently working with Astric.

b. Trained counsellors and students who are part of Astric c. Access best Trainers and professionals d. Council counsellors.

The career centre will conduct special training programmes and workshops to our trained members. They can work with the centre as professional counsellors with payments.

The proposed career centre will make tie up with some other prominent professional counsellor and groups to make services easy and available for the beneficiaries. For this purpose the centre will make collaboration with trained and professional career counsellors and groups and make a single platform for the services. The centre can make collaboration with state and national level career counsellor groups and professionals such as:

A. Collaboration with Professional Individual Counsellors:

The career centre will make tie up with some professional counsellors in the country. The students and youth can avail their service by the career centre.

B. Collaboration with Professional Organizations:

The centre will build a network with other professional groups and institution and make their services available for the students and youths who are needy. The career centre will organize workshops, seminars and job fairs, etc with the help of these professional groups. The centre will meet academic institution and make network with them for the admission help of the students.

C. Students Cadres/Wings:

In this level the career centre will promote/make students cadres/ wings in professional colleges and university for the admission help of the needy. Special student cadres will be organized in central Universities, IITs, NITs, and IIMs, etc. for the admission help. The centre may provide incentives and certificates for their services and volunteer ships.

By collaborating with other professional counsellors and groups the following services will be provided:

a. Counselling: for children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. b. Training: in the field of counselling, human development and life skills. c. Holding of Seminars/Workshops: for the development and enhancement of

individual, family, group and organizational functioning. d. Research: in the area of mental health. e. Consultancy: in all of the above areas.


IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS

The project will be implemented across 5 years from December 2015 to November 2020 with the key milestones as listed below:

IV. Implementation Details- Phase I

1st – 3rd month

Creation of Project Team and Quality Assurance of Project Activities Recruitment of project team members and purchasing of equipment are included in this phase.

4th -5th month

Recruitment of the team which will consist of a Project Manager, a counsellor and career advisors for career centres.

6th -9th month

Team members will set up the procedures and guidelines for the project’s operations together with an internal monitoring mechanism to be reviewed by the management Committee. Purchasing of equipment will also be carried out by team members.

9th – 12th month

Project Run: The centre will become operational in this phase. The project will run across the country. Online information to be made accessible on the self-help portals, in addition to the counselling and career services, includes:

Online information Online career guidance and counselling Admission Help Job posting and alerts

Financial help

V. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Estimated start date of Project Project Starting Date: December, 2015

Action Time Frame Cash flow

Requirement

PHASE 1 (June, 2015 – May 2016)

Creation of Project Team and Quality Assurance, Recruitment

of the Project Team and Staff

Set up the procedures and guidelines for the project’s operations together with an internal monitoring mechanism to be reviewed by the management Committee. Purchasing of equipment will also be carried

out by team members.

Project Run

PHASE 2- Project Run

(January 2016 – December 2017)

PHASE 3- Project Run

(January 2017 – December 2020)

3 months

2 months

4 months

Estimated Completion Date of Project May 2020


VI. PROJECT BUDGET – Phase I

Category Cost Per Annum Remarks

Training 10 lac (all 38 Districts) Aptitude Test feedback counselling from Astric HR Anexie

Staff Salary 3 x 38 = 114 Lacs 3 full-time main counsellors for all 38 Districts

Consultancy Charges 4 lacs Tie-up with best Education & Career Counselling center for

professional training and mentoring

Portal Creation 8 lacs (one time)

1lac Renewal (yearly)

Portal like Edukart.com focus providing notification of entrance / admission time in India’s best colleges having minority status and scholarship details.

Advertisements & Promotion 20 lacs

Toll Free Phone 2.5 lacs

Campaign Volunteers 27 lacs (all 38 districts) Each zone 10 volunteers in important campuses who are paid 7,000

per annum as gifts and other goodies. Other Expenses 380 lacs (all 38 districts) Build new facility as office space in all 38 districts.

Total Rs.5.66 Crore (1.785 Cr Per Annum and 3.88 Cr one time)

Project Budget

Project Expenditure 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th

Year 5th

Year Total

Manpower

Project Manager

Counsellor

Career Advisor

Equipment/Facilities Software and licence

Computers, printer and consumables

Services

Students career guidance kit Lecturing fee

for seminars and workshops Incentives for

students cadres etc.

General Expenses

Stationery

Miscellaneous

Others

Auditor’s fee

Preparation Fee

Total Expenditure

Project Income Amount in INR

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total (Eg. Fee received)

Total Income

Source of Funding

a. Amount of grant sought under this application from Govt. of Bihar: Rs.5 Lac per District

b. Other sources of funding: Rs.5 Lac per Location towards IT equipment, Electrification and

alternate source of energy generation will be done by Astric)


VII. CONCURRENT MONITORING & SELF EVALUATION MECHANISM

The project will be implemented by the Astric project team, which will be monitored by the Organisation’s Project Committee constituted in collaboration with ____Department of Government of Bihar, which will report to ____________________________________

VIII. MANAGEMENT SUPPORT & KEY PERSONNEL INVOLVED

The project team will comprise a Project Lead, Project Managers, Project Counsellors, Career Advisors, IT Technician, and Trainers. The Student Affairs Committee and its members and the Chairperson of the upper body of organization will actively participate in the implementation of the project.

IX. OTHER INFORMATION

1. Project Sustainability

2. Preparatory work done

• One ad-hoc committee has been organized for the initial work of the project like preparing project proposal, data collection, etc.

• Project Proposal has been prepared

• Places has been identified for the proposed career centres

• Two three meetings has been conducted to discuss and plan the project.

3. Past experience in organizing projects of similar or relevant nature and achievements:

• Astric Computers (I) Pvt. Ltd. has successfully undertaken the setting-up several career

guidance and counselling cum training sessions for students and youths before with the

collaboration of Government of Bihar and Government of India.

• It has arranged many workshops and training programmes for scholarship beneficiaries

as decided by the respective agencies/departments.

• It runs one State-of-the-art IT training centre in Patna to help the students and youth

to get information and help regarding various scholarships and career opportunities.

• Astric has been associated with multi skilling of youth and students group in village level

for the awareness and assistance of admission and scholarship help in district level of

Bihar.


OUR COURSES & TRAINING AT OFFER

A. Communicative English Training Program- 60 Hours

B. Soft Skill Training Program- 30 Hours

C. Resume & Cover Letter Writing Training Program- 10 Hours

D. Basic of Computer & Office Suite Training (Optional)- 200 Hours

DESCRIPTION: A. Communicative English Training Program (CETP) is an approach to equip them with basic

English language skills both spoken as well as written for making them move forward in their respective education and career and also bring them closer to the mainstream. Gaining competency in such linguistic skill set will help them in immediate results and personal development on a day-to-day basis in an office environment for handling all sorts of educational programs and also help them gain self-confidence.

It is an innovative way to make them skilled enough in competing in various emerging sectors where English is essential in both forms written and verbal, which will help them in gaining better employability and create a niche space while generating their livelihood or profession. ICT related training sector is the most emerging segment across India and our proposal is line with it to provide them a background on computer operations or basic utility tools which come under using the CBT applications hence the method used by us are time tested and lead to proper use of computers.

Strategies/Activities:

Proposed Strategies/ Activities

a. Proper Information & coordination with the Student community

b. Awareness about Skill Acquisition & Conduct training on the following:

Basic Competencies and Handling issues

Communicative English- Learning Tricks of the trade

Mock Tests and Group Discussions

One on One sessions

Training Outline and Content Details Week 1: Ice Breaker (Covering Introduction to communication, Types of communication, Tenses, Consonant Clusters, Vowel Shades) Week 2: English in Practice (Covering Indianisms, Syllable stress, Parts of Speech, Modals and Moods, Fluency in reported speech, Intonation and Modulation) Week 3: English Listening Skills (Covering Listening Style, Learning to Listen, Modulating Speech, Enhancing Vocabulary) Week 4: English Written Skills (Covering Formal writing styles, Professional etiquettes, making impression with presentation skills, Subject verb agreement, Active & Passive, Verbal and Non-Verbal communication, Reported speech, Written Communication, Office Communication) Week 5: Writing Letters officially (Covering Official letters, Homophones, homonyms Prepositions, Common errors, Barriers to communication, Confused and misused words, Editing and omitting passages, Communication etiquettes)


B. Soft Skill Training Program (SSTP) is an approach to conduct sessions covering topics

which do not look so important unless one starts working in an office environment like

presentation skills, negotiation skills, team building skills, time management skills, stress

and conflict management skills, telephone & business etiquette, interpersonal skills,

personal skills and others for enablement to work in their respective organisations and

excel in career. Although practical exposure to actual atmosphere helps them more than

the classroom experience but they get prepared for work on a day-to-day basis in an

office environment.

C. Resume & Cover Letter Writing Training Program (RCWTP) Resume can be renamed as

‘monolog’ which ends with an interview which can be termed as ‘dialog’ and to write

one’s own resume one has to understand what the employer is looking for in a resume.

It is the most effective way to plan for a job hunt and yet so neglected that often our

youth are rejected due to misplacement of facts and figures. The training covers in depth

details of writing a perfect piece of data which not only assures a positive revert but also

gives a view to each person’s strength and weakness in relation to the requirement.

D. Basic of Computer & Office Suite Training Program (Optional) (BCOSTP) we all are

aware that in today’s scenario almost all avenues of life requires a slight IT touch and

looking at the global boom in e-commerce activities we can no longer neglect the fact of

missing on digital literacy. Basic of Computers and Office Suite is must to handle the day-

to-day office documentation, internet based activities like mailing, scanning, browsing

and surfing along with using search engines to locate particular material.

Day1: Introduction to OS: Covering Introduction of GUI components, Overview of versions of Windows, Importance of Windows Environment, User interface setting, Elements of Windows screen ,Elements of a Windows, Setting of Windows, Search / Find Feature, Windows accessories, Entertainment, Games, Systems tools, Calculator, Address Book, Notepad & WordPad, MS Paint, Miscellaneous Windows feature

Day2: Introduction to MS Word: Creation of documents, Saving of documents, Searching of documents, Setting of margins, Printing of documents, Formatting of documents, Working with text, Viewing & Navigating documents, Headers & Footers, Templates, Inserting diff. items in documents, Spelling and Grammar checking, Setting of Word option, Installing & customizing, Tables, Auto correct option, Mail merge and macro, Protection on file, To Split windows of word

Day3: Introduction to MS Excel: Intro. of workbook & worksheets, Cells and cells addresses, Saving of Excel's file, Searching of Excel's file, Setting print area, Page setup & Printing Of Excel's file, Formatting of Excel's file, Working with data, Viewing and Navigating document, Headers & Footers, Templates, Inserting diff. items in file, Inserting charts, Setting of Excel option, Installing & Customizing Excel, Macro, Protection On File, To Split windows of Excel, Function and its use.

Day 4: Introduction to MS PowerPoint: Creation of presentation, Setting Animation & transition, Running presentation, Working with graphs and charts, Saving of File, Searching of power Point Presentation, Viewing and Navigation, Header & footers, Templates, Inserting diff. items on side, Inserting charts, Spelling Checking, Installing & Customizing PowerPoint, Auto Correct option, Protection On File.

Day5: Internet Training Details for 2 Days of class: Internet Concept, , History of internet, type Of Network, Benefit of Network, Types on Network topologies, Data Communication, Data transmission mode, E-Business, Intro. Of WWW, Web page & website, Searching engines, Navigation if internet, Application if Interne, E-mail, Chat, Social networking,

Day 6: Creating email ID, concepts of using wisdom on internet usage and creation of email ID and tricks on using social networking and completing all queries.


IMPLEMENTATION:

The guidelines of effective implementation of such a compact curriculum in Bihar context

clearly states that the implementation plan has to be as per the need and demand, since Astric

has been chosen by the Government of Bihar as the Technology cum Training and Capacity

Building Partner since 2010, we will use our skills and expertise to implement the above

courses on 4 topics which will deliver relevant results for the student community in getting

empowered in a rapidly changing world. This directive of Government of Bihar and Astric

together will mandate the entire student community across the state of Bihar to use learning

equipment and study materials which includes ILT and CBT programs that are of immense

educational value and are interactive and experimental in nature for enabling the skillset

required to survive the testing times for the learning members who are un-employed and

understand the value of such a training.

THE SOLUTION: The 4 listed topics of training which is included in the ILT & CBT assisted instruction program with Astric- Center of Excellence for the trainees’ fundamentals of providing Communicative English skills, Soft Skills, Resume and Cover Letter Writing Skills integrated with Basic Computer operations and Office Suite Skills in assisting the students and youth of Bihar for sure. The objective always has to be on covering practical aspects hence more hands on and with a bigger lab sharing has limited us to keep 30% theory and almost 70% of the time is ILT based blended learning. The trainees get knowledge from peers on how they should actually share the same with another trainee as it promotes sharing – learning mechanism.

Vocational Training needs to become responsive to changing employment scenarios to

prepare the youth of Bihar for the new economy jobs not only for livelihood, but also for

dignity and for the purpose and meaningfulness of their lives. What they don’t have though

is access to language skills, training options, and life and workplace readiness skills needed

for acceptance in a knowledgeable and skills-based society of today.

OBJECTIVES:

1. General Objective: Improve competencies through regular lessons/sessions focusing on language competency.

2. Specific Objectives: Communication effectiveness of trainees.

[1]. Train the student community in English and its day-to-day uses through sessions designed by teachers, professionals and industry experts over years of research. [2]. Make the students aware towards new emerging trends in learning using CBT programs and software in office atmosphere from Subject Matter Experts. [3]. Help the participants in personality development and communication skills enhancement. [4]. Organize seminars, workshops for enabling right connect with participants. [5]. Mentoring, Networking and handholding support in intervals to harp on a continuous learning in practical scenarios.


TRAINING PROCESS

1. Venue and Roll out Plan The venue for the training shall be the Career Counselling cum Training Academy at

District HQ at all 38 districts. Furthermore and subsequently the training programme

can be conducted at another location preferably schools/colleges/universities if

required.

2. Deliverables of the Training Program o Student kit bag o Course Material published by Astric in collaboration with Publication House o Compact Disc/DVD (if cost is borne by students/Government) o Stationery Items: Note pad and pen o 2 : 1 exposure to computer for the trainees (Sharing-Learning mode)

3. Training Methodology We adopt blended methodology in our training that includes instructor led and computer based training delivery. The two components are divided as per the specific needs and aspiration levels of the target trainees; we also would like to suggest a bi-lingual methodology during training at your facility. We would also distribute course material in Hindi/English as per requirement.

4. Post Training Assessment An assessment will be conducted throughout the training covering the stated syllabus

and as taught in the training programme. This will be in the format of a real time online

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) giving the trainees a feeling of international method

followed for technology based certification exams accepted globally.

5. Certification Certification will be done by Astric, Patna if Government of Bihar so wishes we can

also arrange Online Certification Exams leading to Certification which will be at extra

cost.

Summary

The process outline in these guidelines above provides for planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive career counselling program. Program can be comprehensive when based upon:

1) A K-12 developmental sequence,

2) Academic, career and personal/social needs of students, and

3) Translating student needs into goals, competencies, outcomes, implementation strategies, and evaluation procedures.

Career Counselling Programs are accountable only when they can demonstrate a positive influence on students for shaping their future. Completing the process will create outcomes that serve the needs of students across the state of Bihar. Completion of the outlined process will enable the districts to:


Develop programs unique to their geographical and community based identified student needs.

Build evaluation procedures for establishing and maintaining program effectiveness.

Maximize the use of available resources, both human and material.

Verify that the counselling program is an integral part of the education eco-system.

Whereas the focus of this document has been to present a systematic process for developing, improving, and evaluating comprehensive career counselling program, the central purpose remains to enhance meaningful learning experiences for all students in the state of Bihar. Astric-Center of Excellence will be extending its support towards deployment and monitoring of the program along with providing expert opinion from time to time in case the proposal is accepted for implementation we shall be happy to partner with Government of Bihar.

district career counselling centre proposal - final version 5.0

Documents