by BIS Correspondent
PUNE, FEB 15, 2016: On the successful completion of the three- month Vocational Education and Training (VET) programme, the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, Pune - in 
collaboration with Don Bosco Private Industrial Technical Training Institute, Chinchwad - organised a short Felicitation programme on February 12.
Several dignitaries from the central government and representatives from companies of the candidates were present at the ceremony. The aim of the Indo-German Vocational Education and Training (VETnet) initiative is to provide both countries with a win-win situation in workforce employment.
German companies in India can meet their need for qualified workers and establish themselves effectively in a highly competitive market like India; while Indian workforce profits from the expert know- how of German vocational education and training. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and supported by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK).
The event began with a welcome note by Marcus Parkhe, from the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, who summarised the work done by the staff and students in the past three months. Judith Ever and Hartmut Stichel, from the same organisation, were also present. Stichel spoke of his experience working at Don Bosco. The staff and students in turn bid him a farewell as he goes back to Germany. The institution also gifted him a golden long-handled shoe horn.
Rajesh Agrawal, Joint Secretary & CVO Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship, highlighted the role played by IGCC, Don Bosco and German Government in promotion of vocational 
education and training among Indian students.
The representatives of the companies were happy with the performance of their employees. "Our goal is to educate qualified talent for our production plant in Ranjangaon. That is why we have gotten involved with the project VETnet by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, IGCC and are happy with what we see," Heinrich Brüllau, Chief Operating Officer of Schmersal India Pvt Ltd, said.
To highlight the achievements of the training programme, a discussion was held between Heinrich Brüllau, Chief Operating Officer of Schmersal India Pvt Ltd, Ever, Stichel, Parkhe, VK Shukla - the Joint Director of Training from Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship and Agrawal.
Several issues were raised during the discussion. Among those were, the fact that apprentices would emerge as role models for the future generations and the possibility of the Government of India providing accreditation to the VETnet project.
It was also highlighted that authorities would ensure acceptability and continuity of the programme and that the ITI negative marking system would be cancelled.
Finally, the requirement of an increased investment by the German government, to make it a successful venture, was discussed. It was also stressed that support was required from the Government of India for such future endeavours.