Vidya joins hands with ERAM Skills Academy through MoU for industry-ready skill development
Vidya focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for students and faculty through various activities envisaged under the MoU, including industrial training, internships, skill development programmes, practical learning, industry-oriented projects, and exposure to emerging technologies, particularly in the automotive and electric mobility sectors.
Vidya Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), Thrissur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ERAM Skills Academy on 14 August 2026, marking a significant step towards strengthening industry–academia collaboration. The MoU establishes a formal framework for cooperation in areas such as student skill development, internships, industrial training, hands-on technical learning, and industry-oriented projects, particularly in the automotive and electric mobility sectors.
MoU Signing Ceremony
The programme was graced by Dr. Sunitha C. (Principal), Dr. Shalij P. R. (Director – Academics), Mr. Suresh Lal (Executive Director, VICT), Dr. Rakesh Hari (HoD, ME Dept),Dr. Vinila M. L. (HoD, EEE Dept.), Mr. Paul Chakola (Head, Training and Placement), Ms. Sheeja G. (Asst Prof, EEE Dept) and Mr. Anil Kumar K. R (Asso Prof, ME Dept.).
Representing ERAM Skills Academy were Mr. Austin (General Manager), Mr. Nandakumar (Central Head), Mr. Ali (Academic Head) and Mr. Shibli (Marketing In-charge). The representatives actively participated in the discussions and shared valuable perspectives on current industry requirements, emerging technologies, and opportunities for collaboration.
Industry–Institute Interaction Session
Following the MoU signing, an Industry–Institute Interaction Session was conducted in the Advanced Computer Lab, VAST, Thrissur. Around 40 students from the Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) departments participated in the session.
The interaction was organised to build upon the objectives of the newly established partnership and explore meaningful collaborative initiatives. Representatives from VAST and ERAM Skills Academy discussed the evolving requirements of the automotive and electric mobility sectors and highlighted the importance of equipping engineering students with industry-relevant skills, practical exposure, and hands-on experience.
Representatives from ERAM Skills Academy shared insights into current and emerging trends in automotive technology, electric vehicles, power electronics, and allied sectors. The discussions identified several potential areas for collaboration, including:
- Student internships and industrial training
- Technical and skill enhancement programmes
- Industry visits and practical exposure
- Industry-oriented academic projects
- Faculty–industry interaction
- Hands-on technical training
- Exposure to emerging technologies
- Project-based learning initiatives
Significance of the MoU
The MoU represents a formal and long-term commitment by VAST and ERAM Skills Academy to strengthen industry-oriented education and skill development. The partnership aims to create sustained opportunities for internships, on-the-job training, hands-on technical learning, student projects, faculty development, and exposure to emerging technologies.
The collaboration is expected to bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial requirements by providing students with meaningful opportunities to gain practical knowledge and develop competencies aligned with the changing needs of the engineering and technology sectors.
Way Forward
The MoU is expected to contribute significantly to skill development, innovation, practical learning, employability enhancement, and the development of industry-ready engineering professionals. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the partnership through collaborative training, technology-oriented initiatives, industry exposure, and knowledge-sharing programmes.
The collaboration marks another significant step towards creating a stronger industry–academia ecosystem at VAST, empowering students and faculty with opportunities to learn, innovate, and engage with emerging technologies and evolving industrial practices.
