MoU for Academic-Industry collaboration between VAST, Thrissur and GM Associates

February 12, 2026 Dr Abhilasha PS CE

GM Associates, based in Kunnamkulam, is a full-service consultancy firm offering expertise in Structural Design, Geotechnical Design, Architectural Design, Interior Design and Project Management. Established in 2014, the firm has successfully completed over 1,000 projects across Kerala and abroad. With a team of highly experienced professionals, GM Associates follows a design approach that balances quality, safety, and cost efficiency, aiming to be a trusted advisor to clients while contributing to societal progress.

The Department of Civil Engineering aims to build a strategic partnership that strengthens academic–industry collaboration, with a special focus on enhancing site exposure and practical learning for civil engineering students. To achieve this, a collaborative framework was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Vidya Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Thrissur, and GM Associates, Kunnamkulam.

Enhancing site exposure is crucial for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world engineering practice. To this end, the Department of Civil Engineering at Vidya Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Thrissur, formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GM Associates, Kunnamkulam, aimed at strengthening students’ professional competencies through industry-relevant training, internships, and placement opportunities, while also promoting collaborative research and faculty engagement.

The primary objective of the MoU is to establish a mutually beneficial partnership that fosters skill development, practical exposure, joint research initiatives, and placement opportunities for both students and faculty. The collaboration particularly focuses on empowering B.Tech and M.Tech Civil Engineering students with global employability skills through structured training programs conducted by GM Associates and STED Council–approved courses.

As part of the initiative, Awareness and Career Guidance Programs will be conducted for final-year students, including free STED Council–approved training sessions on Estimation, Quantity Surveying, and Structural Designing. The top five performers from these programs will be eligible to appear for a scholarship examination conducted by GM Associates.

The MoU also facilitates short-term technical boot camps of 5–10 days on Estimation, Structural Designing, and other relevant civil engineering tools and software, providing students with hands-on practical experience. Additionally, semester-wise subsidized GM curriculum programs will be offered alongside the academic semester, including a Diploma in Structural Designing and a Diploma in Interior Design, with flexible installment-based fees to minimize financial burden on students.

To further enhance employability, academic placement drives will be conducted at the institution after completion of the training programs. Students will be shortlisted based on performance and skill competency, with a minimum of five placement opportunities guaranteed for eligible final-year students. Free internships will also be offered to a maximum of ten students at a time at GM Associates offices in Kunnamkulam and Thrissur, along with access to placement and job portal support.

The MoU was formally signed on 16 December 2025 by Dr. Sunitha C. (Principal) and Mr. Gireesh C. G. (CEO, GM Associates). The initiative was led and coordinated by Dr. Abhilasha P. S.(Prof, HoD, CE Dept)

This collaboration is set to bridge academic learning with professional practice, providing students with the skills, exposure, and opportunities needed to excel in the civil engineering profession.

The Editorial Team of News & Events joins the entire Vidya fraternity in extending heartiest appreciation to the entire CE Dept on this remarkable accomplishment that empowers civil engineering students with practical skills, professional exposure and enhanced employability !!!