BITP Trainees at work in MRD
(vi) Candidate absorbed by companies: An analysis of trend in absorption of candidates by the companies indicates that about 25 to 30% trainees secure a job on completion of training. Most of the trainees are retained by the trainer companies, however, some trainees are employed by other companies with similar requirements. Out of 585 trainees in 201314, 153 trainees have found placement and stipend ranges from Rs.0.96 lakhs per annum to Rs.4.5 lakhs per annum with maximum number of trainees in salary range of Rs.2 to 3 lakhs per annum.
Candidates Trained Vs Absorbed Fig. 9
Candidates trained
Candidates Absorbed 652
650
590
585
505
502 396
138
2007-08
132
2008-09
129
2009-10
149
2010-11
196
2011-12
203
2012-13
153
2013-14
Over the years, this programme has provided practical exposure to students in biotech industry and re-oriented them to the needs of industry as well as made them more acceptable by industry by bridging the skill gaps. Simultaneously, it has also provided opportunity to the companies to select prospective trainees for suitable employment. A few initiatives by private sector such as Biocon Academy, Biozeen, Codon Biotech, training institutes are also contributing to address issues of skill deficit by producing industry ready manpower.
Karnataka Biotechnology Finishing School Programme
The Department of Biotechnology jointly with Government of Karnataka has launched Karnataka Biotechnology Finishing School Programme from 2011-12 to provide necessary hands-on training and academic skills to biotechnology students leading to enhanced employability in industry. 12 biotechnology Finishing schools have been established in Karnataka with appropriate course content and component of industrial training. Students from all parts of country can apply for admission in postgraduate diploma in specialised areas of biotechnology in these Finishing schools and students are selected by two tier process comprising of online Karnataka Biotechnology Aptitude Test (KBAT) followed by an interview. All the trainees are provided studentship by Department of Biotechnology. The programme is gaining popularity with the students which is evident from increase in number of students trained in first batch from 87 to 135 in 3rd batch. 81% students from first batch have found successful placement in pharma, health, agri-biotech, bioinformatics and service sector.
350 | Pursuit of Biotechnology - Opportunities & Options