Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) Kerala is redefining skill development by aligning training with real-time industry needs. With its learner-centric approach, demand-driven curriculum, and strategic public-private partnerships, ASAP is enabling a seamless transition from education to employment, empowering Kerala’s youth for the future of work. Dr. Usha Titus, IAS (Retd.), Chairperson & Managing Director, ASAP Kerala, delves deeper into the institution’s transformative work in a conversation  with Krishna Mishra of Elets News Network (ENN).

Edited excerpts:

ASAP Kerala has been central to advancing skill development, supporting Kerala’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. Could you elaborate on its core mission and explain how it aligns with the broader developmental objectives of the state?

ASAP Kerala has been a catalyst in Kerala’s journey toward becoming a knowledge-driven economy. At the heart of our mission is a simple but powerful idea: to make learning personalized, inclusive, and aligned with real-world needs. We envision a system that goes beyond degrees—where individuals are equipped with practical, job-ready skills to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Our work directly supports Kerala’s broader developmental goal of transitioning into a knowledge and innovation-based economy. While the state has long had a strong foundation in general education, this alone has not guaranteed employability. Educated unemployment remains a major challenge. ASAP Kerala was founded in 2012 to tackle this head-on—by bridging the gap between education and employment.

The initiative began under the Department of Higher Education, in collaboration with the Department of General Education. From the outset, our focus was on equipping high school and college students with three core competencies: English communication, IT proficiency, and vocational skills. Programs were delivered during summer vacations or non-academic hours, using community facilitators—retired teachers, homemakers, and part-time workers—creating grassroots ownership and inclusivity.

A major milestone came in 2014, when we secured support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). With this backing, we scaled our efforts to train over 2 lakh students, collaborating with private training partners and setting up 120 Skill Development Centers across the state. These centers offered more than 120 vocational courses, and a 2018 Nielsen study confirmed significant positive outcomes: while 8% of students entered the workforce directly, the majority continued into higher education, empowered by the confidence and skills they gained.

In 2021, ASAP Kerala transitioned into a Section 8 company, giving it institutional autonomy and sustainability. This shift marked our evolution into one of India’s most distinctive skill development organizations—driven by agility, innovation, and industry relevance and anchored in the Higher Education Department. We have been recognized by NCVET as an Awarding Body and Assessment Agency.

What sets us apart is our demand-driven approach. We never introduce a course unless there is clear industry demand. Our dedicated Skill Demand Aggregation division conducts continuous engagement with employers—from HR heads to CEOs—to understand emerging skill needs. Regular industry roundtables help us identify trends in sectors like IT, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism.

This intelligence directly shapes our programs. For example, we curated an AI/ML course in collaboration with IIT Palakkad and IIT Madras back in 2018—one of the first of its kind in the region. We have set up Centers of Excellence in AR/VR and Electric Vehicles with Government and industry support, including partners like Hero and MG Motors.

Our goal remains clear: to build a pipeline of future-ready talent across domains such as digital technology, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and green energy. Our institution is not just addressing unemployment—we’re redefining how skills are imparted and applied in a fast-changing world.

It’s fascinating how ASAP Kerala integrates industry needs into curriculum development. Could you provide specific examples of private sector collaborations that have significantly enhanced student outcomes, and how you ensure their long-term impact and sustainability?

At ASAP Kerala, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) are foundational, rooted in our origin under the ADB project. We see industry collaboration not as an add-on, but as essential for ensuring our programs are both relevant and impactful.

A great example is our Community Skill Parks, of which we’ve established 16 across Kerala. Each operates through strategic partnerships with industry leaders—Adani Ports at Vizhinjam, Tata Power at Mananthawady, GMR at Kalamassery, and Linnk, a UK-based company, at Kasaragod. These partners design and run sector-specific training, offering hands-on experience that often leads directly to employment.

Our partnership with Cochin Shipyard exemplifies how CSR and technical needs align. With their CSR funding, we co-developed a ‘Marine Structural Fitter’ course, merging welding, fitting, and sheet metal skills into one program tailored to their workforce demand.  The course is on the National Qualification Register as a level 3.5 course. Training occurs directly at Cochin Shipyard, and placement rates are outstanding—with graduates finding jobs not just in CSL but also in firms like L&T Shipping and abroad.

Another transformative initiative we have undertaken is getting Sec 80G and 12A exemption to aggregate CSR. Under this, we have partnered with an institute offering PADI certification, and trained 20 students from coastal areas—many with no prior swimming ability in deep sea and scuba diving at a cost of ₹1.5 lakh per student, covered via CSR and skill loans. Most participants were placed with international diving resorts post-certification.

We’re also investing in future-forward sectors. At Kazhakuttam Skill Park, our collaboration with Zebu Animation draws students nationally for animation training. For Ayurveda therapy, we’ve partnered with the Ayurveda Promotion Society and leading institutions to curate and deliver a globally relevant Level 4.5 NSQF program of Ayurveda Therapist.

To ensure program quality and relevance, every curriculum is reviewed by a Technical Committee led by industry experts, supported by academia. This structure ensures both practical skills and academic rigour.

Additionally, our presence in 400+ colleges allows us to integrate skill training alongside formal education, making students job-ready. Our success lies in a consistent, collaborative loop—industry demand informs training, which in turn fuels meaningful, sustainable employment.

The breadth and depth of ASAP Kerala’s partnerships are truly impressive, Ma’am. Beyond the economic impact, I’m curious about the societal dimension. Do you have targeted programs aimed at empowering women, marginalized groups, or underprivileged communities?

Thank you, Krishna. At ASAP Kerala, our commitment goes well beyond economic development—it is fundamentally about social inclusion and empowerment. We believe real progress happens when every individual, regardless of background, has access to opportunities.

To support women re-entering the workforce, especially after career breaks, we’ve developed Work Readiness Programs. These offline, facilitator-led sessions are intensive, covering resume writing, interview skills, and communication. The goal is to rebuild confidence and equip women with essential tools to rejoin the workforce effectively.

A deeply meaningful initiative was a training program for mothers of intellectually challenged children, where over 1,000 participants were trained in artisanal baking. Many of them began small-scale home-based ventures, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns, gaining income and self-reliance.

We also collaborate with local self-governments to meet specific community needs. In Kasaragod, for instance, we partnered with the District Panchayat and Open University for the ‘Darpanam’ project, targeting career-break women. We delivered a one-year skilling program that combined our Communicative English module and vocational skills like GST Tally and artisanal baking. The program carried 18 academic credits, enabling participants to work while pursuing higher education through distance learning.

When local bodies identified demand for roles in government schemes like MGNREGA or Jal Jeevan Mission, we responded by creating a ‘Community Mobilizer’ curriculum in collaboration with the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA). These programs build capacities at the grassroots level, strengthening governance and service delivery.

Additionally, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), we uplift informal workers by validating their existing skills. One example: nearly 500 Ayurveda therapists in Kottakkal received formal certification, enhancing their professional credibility.

ASAP Kerala’s societal impact is grounded in listening to communities, responding with agility, and ensuring that skilling leads not just to jobs—but to dignity, empowerment, and inclusion.

Your work in societal empowerment is truly inspiring, Ma’am. Finally, on a more personal note, as a senior bureaucrat and a prominent woman leader, what advice would you offer to young women who aspire to leadership roles, especially within the public service sector?

This is a subject close to my heart, and I’m glad you asked. To young women aspiring for leadership, particularly in public service, I offer three pieces of advice.

First, embrace lifelong learning. The world is changing rapidly—especially in governance and service delivery—and leaders must continuously adapt. Cultivate curiosity and remain open to new ideas, technologies, and challenges. As a woman, being well-informed and skilled is your strongest shield. When you are equipped with knowledge, no one can marginalize you. Your competence will command respect.

Second, take charge of your own growth. While mentorship and institutional support are valuable, your real strength lies in self-driven learning and development. Don’t wait for doors to open—knock on them, and if needed, build your own. Seek out opportunities, invest in new skills, and explore diverse sectors. The more you equip yourself, the more confident and prepared you’ll be when leadership opportunities arise.

And third, lean in. This idea—echoed by leaders like Sheryl Sandberg—is especially important. Many talented women hold back due to modesty or societal conditioning. Break that pattern. Project yourself as capable, and don’t hesitate to express your interest in leadership roles. Take on challenging assignments, lead initiatives, and make your presence felt. Confidence, paired with competence, is powerful.

Public service needs more bright, driven women at the helm. The path to leadership may not always be easy, but it is certainly worth walking. Your journey, and the spaces you occupy, will inspire many others.

Thank you again, Krishna. It’s been a pleasure to share ASAP Kerala’s mission and also reflect on the broader role women can and must play in shaping the future of public service.

Be a part of Elets Collaborative Initiatives. Join Us for Upcoming Events and explore business opportunities. Like us on Facebook , connect with us on LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter, Instagram.

"Exciting news! Elets technomedia is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest insights!" Click here!