Date: December 18, 2024
Venue: St. Xavier School and College of Nursing, Kumbakonam
On December 18, 2024, St. Xavier School and College of Nursing, Kumbakonam, in collaboration with First Job Human Capital, successfully hosted a one-day workshop on Career Advancement and Industry Readiness. The workshop aimed to empower students and professionals with knowledge on career planning, skill development, and current industry practices.
Inauguration and Welcome
The day began with the traditional Tamil Thaai Vaalthu, setting a culturally respectful and solemn tone for the proceedings. As guests began to arrive, they were warmly welcomed by enthusiastic students, exemplifying grace and hospitality. Faculty members, led by Vice Principal Mrs. Kiruthiga, extended their personal greetings, creating an atmosphere of warmth and mutual respect.
A dedicated welcome committee guided the dignitaries to the beautifully decorated auditorium, where soft traditional music played in the background. The venue reflected meticulous planning and attention to detail. The Vice Principal delivered a heartfelt welcome address, underlining the significance of the workshop and the opportunities it presented for professional growth and networking.
The guests were felicitated with mementos as tokens of appreciation, and photographs captured the spirit of collaboration and anticipation.
Key Sessions and Highlights
The workshop featured a series of thought-provoking sessions delivered by distinguished speakers from academia and industry:
BAIC Concept
Speaker: Mr. N. Sivakumar, Head – Employer Engagement, BAIC, First Job Human Capital
Mr. Sivakumar introduced the BAIC (Behavior, Attitude, Interpersonal Skills, and Communication) concept, offering deep insights into how these traits influence employability and workplace effectiveness. He shared practical scenarios and real-world applications to contextualize the framework for the audience.
Human Resource Management in Healthcare
Speaker: Mrs. Girija, Senior Manager – HR & Training, Apollo Hospitals
Mrs. Girija’s keynote addressed the crucial role of HR in the healthcare industry. Drawing from her vast experience, she discussed time and stress management, HR policy implementation, and leadership in healthcare settings. Her session received an enthusiastic response from both students and professionals.
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
Speaker: Mr. Ramesh Arumugam, Head-Operations, Skills India Foundation This session highlighted the benefits of NAPS in enhancing industry-academia collaboration and bridging the employability gap. Real-life success stories and industry case studies brought clarity to how NAPS contributes to workforce readiness.
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)
Speaker: Mr. Praveen Kumar, Coordinato, First Job Human Capital
Mr. Praveen outlined the objectives and structure of NATS. His session encouraged institutions to integrate apprenticeship-based learning into their curriculum and emphasized its long-term career benefits.
Global Job Readiness Program (GJRP)
Speaker: Mr. Mathan Kumar, Head – Business Development, First Job Human Capital
The final session of the day focused on preparing students for global job markets. Mr. Mathan offered hands-on tips for resume writing, acing interviews, and building a strong professional presence. His interactive style and relatable content resonated strongly with the attendees.
Audience and Engagement
The workshop drew a vibrant and diverse audience, including:
- Students: From various disciplines, students participated actively, taking notes, asking insightful questions, and engaging in post-session discussions. Their enthusiasm created a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
- Faculty Members: Educators from St. Xavier and neighboring institutions added academic depth to the sessions by offering perspectives and queries that sparked meaningful discourse.
- Healthcare Professionals: Attendees from Apollo Hospitals, Kumbakonam Government Hospital, and SSM Healthcare contributed their real-world expertise, enriching the HR and healthcare management discussions with practical insights.
- Industry Experts and Guests: The presence of experienced speakers and professionals elevated the workshop’s quality, ensuring a balance between theoretical learning and applied knowledge.
A lively Q&A session followed each talk, where participants engaged directly with the speakers, further enhancing the learning experience.
Memorable Moments
Group photographs were taken to commemorate the event, capturing the spirit of unity, learning, and celebration. These candid moments reflect the collaborative energy and shared passion that marked the day.
Closing Ceremony
The workshop concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by a faculty member, who expressed appreciation to the dignitaries, organizers, and participants for their contributions to the event’s success. The National Anthem was sung in unison, concluding the day on a note of pride and unity.
Conclusion
The Career Advancement and Industry Readiness workshop was a resounding success, providing a rich platform for knowledge exchange, career guidance, and professional development. The enthusiastic participation and positive feedback from all attendees affirmed the event’s impact and value. St. Xavier School and College of Nursing looks forward to hosting similar initiatives that bridge the gap between education and employment.
