Chennai: To bridge the skill gap among diploma holders, the state govt is planning to introduce a work-integrated diploma programme from 2025-26 academic year. According to the plan, final-year students will spend two semesters in the industry as part of training.This training will be converted into 40 credits that include teaching, learning, and practice. Students have to submit a project report every six months.”This programme aims to bridge skill gaps by integrating academic learning with practical experience. It will enhance students’ employability, and they will be industry-ready,” said S Sarathi, joint managing director, HL Mando Anand India Private Limited. The company has entered into an agreement with the Directorate of Technical Education (DOTE) to provide industrial training to diploma students.Students will also receive a minimum stipend of 12,000 a month during the training and a certificate mentioning the key skills imparted during the training. “We have also developed a curriculum for the one-year training. They will also learn basic manufacturing, maintenance, quality issues, and industrial safety along with the training,” he added.Twelve companies, including Rane Group of Companies, Delphi TVS, Gabriel India, and ZF Commercial Vehicle, are likely to provide training to 5,000 students studying in 55 govt polytechnic colleges in the first phase. The state govt is likely to expand the industrial training to 20,000 polytechnic students later. To improve enrolment in polytechnic colleges, the higher education department has announced various measures, including enrolling students who dropped out from schools in Classes X and XI this year. Recently, DOTE also entered agreements with companies for skill enhancement training for teachers and students and to develop the curriculum.