KOCHI: Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has joined hands with Steel and Industrial Forgings Ltd. (SIFL), a public sector company, to launch academic and research programmes.
The joint venture forms part of the varsity’s efforts to improve its linkages with the industry. The collaboration will focus on stepping up the skill levels of engineering professionals. The maiden programme will have its focus on skill acquisition.
Senior varsity officials said an advanced training programme in CAD/CAM with internship was being offered to students who had completed M.Tech/B.Tech/Diploma in mechanical / production / automobile / industrial engineering. The duration of the programme is three months.
The programme will consist of theory and practical sessions led by noted faculty members from Cusat and engineers and technicians from SIFL. Cusat will award certificates to candidates who successfully complete the courses. SIFL will issue internship certificates.
The major highlights of the programme include advanced training in CAD / CAM; hands-on training in the use of CNC machines at SIFL (aerospace / heavy engineering industry); industrial exposure to aspirants; basic training in programming on CNC applications, and lectures by experts and professionals.
Meanwhile, Cusat has plans to scale up its linkages with the industry, especially after the government okayed a proposal to set up an estimated ₹200-crore state-of-the-art research laboratory utilising funds mobilised through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The proposed laboratory will be a common facility that will aid research in areas like physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology.
Officials said the facility could cater to the research and development needs of chemical, engineering, and other industries in Kochi. The industrial units could avail the services offered by the laboratory and enter into agreements with the varsity for joint research programmes. The industry could carry out tests and other requirements by joining hands with experts on the campus, they said.
