B. Voc.

After completing Standard XII, students have the option of higher studies that go beyond the conventional arts, commerce and science courses. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has set the ball rolling for the introduction of a three-year bachelor of vocation (B. Voc) degree course at recognized colleges and universities across the country. With a focus on raising employability of graduates and meeting the industry's requirement for ready-to-work students, this course seeks to provide skill and specialization in different vocations. It will have a multiple-exit provision - a diploma at the end of the first year and an advanced diploma after two years.. It organizes qualifications based on levels of knowledge, skill and aptitude. . This would enable the graduates completing B. Voc. to make a meaningful participation in accelerating India's economy by gaining appropriate employment, becoming entrepreneurs and creating appropriate knowledge .

Food Processing

Advantages of B. Voc.
* Industry-specific skills to enhance employability
* Occupational skills to enable entrepreneurial initiatives
* Vertical mobility for students clearing 10+2 with vocational subjects
* Multiple exits like diploma and advanced diploma
* Curriculum focus on work-readiness skill

* Industry involvement in development of need-based curriculum

ligibility for admission in B.Voc. The eligibility condition for admission to B.Voc. programme is 10+2 or equivalent, in any stream.

Curriculum

The curriculum in each of the years of the programme is a suitable mix of General Education and skill development components.

Levels of Awards

The certification levels will lead to Diploma/Advanced Diploma/B. Voc.

Degree in (1) Food Processing (2) Retail Management and IT

Job Prospects After completing the degree of B Voc the students would have a hands-on experience of working in the industry and with that background they would be easily absorbed in the industry.

B. Voc.

JOB PROSPECTS IN FOOD PROCESSING

Food processing is a branch of food science and is having methods, Procedures and techniques which are used to transform raw ingredients into food for the consumption of humans .Processing of food leads to

Ø preservation of food

Ø enhances flavour

Ø reduces the toxins in the food

The modern food processing techniques have led to the feasibility of the development of the present day supermarkets. The rising consumerism in the societies of developed and developing countries has contributed to the growth of food processing industries with techniques such as spray drying, juice concentrates, freeze drying and the introduction of artificial sweeteners, colorants and preservatives.Pproducts such as dried instant soups, reconstituted fruits and juices, and self- cooking meals have been developed for the convenience of middle class families and mothers and especially for the working women

At present in India, Food Processing Industry has been gaining momentum as the consumer's food industry. As per the report there are about 300 million upper and middle class consumers of processed and packaged food in the country, and another 200 million were likely to be added. 500 food parks are planned all over the country. This will further boost the growth and development of food processing industries and will generate huge employment opportunities for those who have an aptitude towards this work. The food is processed, preserved, packaged and stored according to the specifications by industry and government. The food processing industry is coming of age it is ranked fifth among industries of India.

The Food Corporation of India, which handles the purchase, storage, transport and distribution of food grains and other food items, provide employment to large number of people. Private enterprises market bread, fruit juices, edible oils and soft drink concentrates.

Food processing companies and food research laboratories, Food wholesalers, Hospitals, Catering establishments, Retailers, Restaurants provide job opportunities to. Other jobs in this industry include Bakeries, Meat, Poultry, Trimmers, and Fish Cutters, Slaughterers and Meat packers, Food batch makers, Food cooking machine operators and tenders, Food and tobacco roasting, baking and drying machine operators and tenders.

Self-Employment Opportunities in Food Processing

Self-employment opportunities also exist in the form of dynamic delivery networks for those who want to work on their own. Food technologists, technicians, biotechnologists and engineers are required in this industry for manufacturing or production, preservation and packaging, processing and canning of various food products. All this needs preparation of raw materials for processing which involves selection, or cleaning of the raw material, followed by the actual processing, which could be chopping, blanching, crushing, mixing or even cooking of the food item, the addition of preservatives and the final packaging maintaining hygiene and maintaining quality of products.

Thanks to Dr. P.Uma Devi and Dr. S.Murugan