Vocational education in Delhi’s government schools is helping students step directly into jobs after Class 12. The capital’s model of skill-based learning is making it easier for school students to build careers in fields like healthcare, IT, beauty, retail, and more. This hands-on training is not just theory-based but comes with internships and real industry exposure, making students job-ready even before they step into college.

I’m writing on this topic because it’s a rare success story in our education system that actually shows results on the ground. For years, students have struggled with the theory-heavy system that left them confused about careers. But now, with vocational courses being introduced in Delhi schools, students are not only gaining confidence but also getting jobs and earning even before graduation. As someone who has spoken to many students about their education and job dreams, I can see how powerful this shift is. This article will highlight how Delhi’s approach is working, why other states should take notes, and what this could mean for the future of education and employment in India.

What is Vocational Education and How is Delhi Doing it Differently

Vocational education means training students in practical job skills. It’s not just about learning from textbooks but about doing hands-on work in fields that have real job demand.

Delhi’s government schools are offering vocational subjects from Class 9 onwards. Students can choose from more than 20 trades, including:

• Retail
• Beauty and wellness
• IT/ITeS (Information Technology Enabled Services)
• Electronics and hardware
• Tourism and hospitality
• Healthcare

This initiative is part of the Samagra Shiksha programme under the Ministry of Education, but Delhi has given it a strong push with better planning, industry tie-ups, and mentoring programmes.

How Students Are Benefiting from Vocational Courses

One of the biggest successes of Delhi’s vocational education programme is that students are getting real-life job experience during school itself. Many of them are placed in internships and part-time jobs through the help of their schools and the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU).

Here are some actual outcomes:

• 12th pass students getting jobs in salons, hospitals, retail stores and IT companies
• Students earning stipends during internships
• Confidence to speak in English and handle customers
• Several students choosing to skip expensive coaching and instead continue skill-based college education

For example, a Class 12 student from a government school who took the beauty and wellness course is now working at a top salon chain and saving money for higher studies. Another student trained in healthcare is working as an assistant in a clinic.

How Vocational Courses Are Run in Schools

The vocational subjects are taught just like other academic subjects but with a big focus on practical work. There are two periods per week for vocational subjects. In Class 11 and 12, students get on-the-job training at partner industries.

Every school has Vocational Trainers (VTs) — experts from the relevant field — who teach students about the industry and guide them through internships. Schools also hold career guidance sessions, invite professionals for workshops, and give students exposure to the world outside the classroom.

Why This Model is Working So Well in Delhi

There are a few reasons why this vocational push is actually giving results in Delhi:

• Strong support from the education department
• Proper funding for tools, labs, and trainers
• Active collaboration with companies and training providers
• Focus on real job outcomes, not just certificates
• Feedback from students used to improve the course content

It’s also important that Delhi has created a smooth path from school to college through DSEU, where students can continue vocational training at a higher level.

What Other States Can Learn from Delhi

Vocational education is not new in India, but it often fails due to poor planning or weak follow-up. Delhi’s model works because it treats vocational education as equal to academic learning, not something for “weak students”.

Here’s what other states can consider:

• Introduce vocational courses in government schools from Class 9
• Hire trained vocational instructors with industry experience
• Provide proper labs and equipment
• Connect with local industries for internships
• Create a roadmap for students to move from school to skill-based college courses

States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are slowly picking up similar models, but Delhi’s speed and clarity in execution stands out.